It is a common human practice or mistake, which can be accurately said, to administer an antibiotic when something does not seem to be right. Be it headache, stomach ache or fever, people don’t bother to consult a doctor and just take these medicines which are easily available in stores.
With the growing concern around HMPV or human metapneumovirus, a question that seriously needs to be addressed is whether antibiotics can work against this virus? The simple answer is no. But let’s learn more. Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria, not viruses. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that primarily affects the lungs and airways. It belongs to the paramyxovirus family and shares similarities with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that affects both young and old people.
See more: Symptoms of HMPV: Infants and the elderly are more vulnerable; common symptoms to watch for
Antibiotics disrupt key cellular functions of bacteria such as cell wall synthesis, protein production or DNA replication and selectively kill them without harming human cells.
Viruses, including HMPV, differ significantly from bacteria in structure and function. They are much smaller and lack cellular structures such as a cell wall, ribosomes, or cytoplasm. Instead, viruses are made of genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat. They cannot replicate on their own and must invade the host’s cells, using the host’s machinery to produce more virus particles.
Because viruses lack the components targeted by antibiotics, such as the cell wall or ribosomes, antibiotics are ineffective against them. Using antibiotics for viral infections, including HMPV, will not kill the virus or improve symptoms.
What happens when you take antibiotics when you don’t have a bacterial infection?
When you consume antibiotics without consulting a doctor, you make your body resistant to that particular antibiotic. This will make it difficult for the body to treat bacterial infections in the future. Apart from this, unnecessary consumption of antibiotics can cause nausea, diarrhea or allergic reactions.
Always seek medical attention when you experience a fever or cough. Viral infections cause fever, fatigue, cough and congestion. Bacterial infections, which are usually angina or urinary tract infections, cause localized symptoms like sore throat or burning during urination. Viral infections are self-limiting in nature, meaning they can resolve themselves as the immune system fights off the viruses; However, bacterial infections can get worse without treatment, leading to serious complications like sepsis.
Symptoms of HMPV
“Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that primarily affects the upper and lower respiratory tract. Identified in 2001, HMPV has since been recognized as a significant contributor to respiratory diseases worldwide. HMPV is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and through direct contact with contaminated surfaces. The virus is prevalent in winter and early spring, like other respiratory viruses,” Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, Director and CEO of Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Hospital Faridabad.
Infections can range from mild to severe, with common symptoms including:
• Cough
• Congestion nasale
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Wheezing
“Although many people experience mild cold-like symptoms, HMPV can lead to more serious respiratory illnesses such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, especially in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. is weakened,” adds Dr Jha.
