What is the difference between Metavirus and SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2), the virus that causes COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019)?

From the Guidelines

The main difference is that there is no such thing as a "meta virus" in medical science, while COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is a real and well-documented pathogen. The term "meta virus" is not recognized in virology or medical literature and may be a misunderstanding or confusion with other concepts. According to a European Respiratory Society living guideline on the management of hospitalized adults with COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus that primarily affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms ranging from mild (fever, cough, fatigue) to severe (pneumonia, respiratory failure) 1.

Key Differences

• SARS-CoV-2 has a distinctive structure with spike proteins that allow it to attach to and enter human cells, particularly targeting ACE2 receptors.
• The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and has been responsible for the global COVID-19 pandemic that began in late 2019.
• COVID-19 symptoms can range from asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic infection to fatal acute respiratory distress syndrome, with a case fatality rate that appears to be lower than Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) 1.
• Risk factors for hospitalization and mortality have been defined, including increased age, male sex, number of comorbidities, and increased respiratory rate, among others 1.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• If you're experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, testing is available through PCR or rapid antigen tests.
• Various treatments exist depending on severity, including antivirals like remdesivir, which has been studied in randomized clinical trials 1.
• The management of hospitalized adults with COVID-19 involves a range of therapies, including antiviral, immunosuppressive, and immunomodulatory treatments, as well as supportive care such as oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation 1.

From the Research

Difference between Meta Virus and Covid Virus

• The terms "meta virus" and "covid virus" are not standard terminology in the field of virology, but based on the context, it appears that "meta virus" might be referring to a metapneumovirus, such as the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) 2.
• Covid virus, on the other hand, refers to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic 3, 4, 5, 6.
• A study comparing the clinical characteristics and outcomes of HMPV infections before and during the COVID-19 pandemic found that HMPV infection and COVID-19 shared many clinical features, but HMPV was associated with female gender, elderly patients, and chronic conditions such as COPD and chronic heart failure 2.
• In terms of treatment, remdesivir has been shown to be effective in reducing mortality and improving clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 requiring oxygen support 4, 5, 6.
• However, there is no direct comparison between the treatment of meta virus (HMPV) and covid virus (SARS-CoV-2) in the provided studies.

Key Characteristics

• Covid virus (SARS-CoV-2):
  • Causes COVID-19 pandemic
  • Can be treated with remdesivir, which has been shown to reduce mortality and improve clinical outcomes 4, 5, 6
• Meta virus (HMPV):
  • Can cause respiratory infections, particularly in elderly patients and those with chronic conditions
  • Clinical characteristics and outcomes similar to those of COVID-19, but with some differences in terms of demographics and comorbidities 2