Clinical impact of human metapneumovirus infections before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background The first outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurred in March 2020 Europe, which is normally the peak incidence period human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections, implying cocirculation and potentially causing competition between them.Methods We investigated differences clinical characteristics outcomes HMPV infections hospitalized patients before (January 2016–28 February, 2020) COVID-19 during part pandemic (28 2020–1 April, 2020).Results A total 239 303 were included. Incidence peaked March. Despite a 324% increase testing outbreak, remained stable. Clinical showed 25 (11%) ICU admissions 14 (6%) deaths. History myocardial infarction, higher age lower BMI independently associated with increased 30-day mortality. HMPV-infected did not differ non-COVID-19 examined except for length hospital stay (7 vs. 5 days). infection shared many features but was female gender, elderly chronic conditions (COPD heart failure). viruses period.Conclusions impact change terms and/or severity; hence, SARS-CoV-2 are probably co-circulating independently. current focus on pandemic, clinicians should keep mind that HMPV-infection may mimic also serious adverse outcomes.