Which of the following statements reflect the logical and rational inferences that can be drawn from the passage?
- 1.HMPV has, historically, had longer documentation of studies when compared with SARS-CoV-2.
- 2.The two viruses are different from each other and this results in markedly different outcomes amongst those affected.
- 3.Long-term impacts of the two viruses are dissimilar and this is an important differentiator between them.
- 4.One of the common factors between the two viruses is seasonal specificity.
Select the answer using the code given below.
Answer & explanation
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3
HMPV has been known and studied for decades, the two viruses differ in severity and outcomes, and the long-term effects are a clear point of difference. Seasonality is not shared: the passage says strong seasonality is seen in HMPV, unlike SARS-CoV-2.
- ✓ 1. People have been exposed to HMPV 'for decades and the virus is well-studied', while SARS-CoV-2 was 'truly novel' in 2019.
- ✓ 2. They 'cause different severity of symptoms'; HMPV causes milder illness with very rare deaths.
- ✓ 3. Severity differs 'particularly over the long term', and HMPV leaves 'no long-term post-viral symptoms'.
- ✗ 4. Seasonality is a difference, not a common factor: 'strong seasonality seen in HMPV, unlike SARS-CoV-2'.
Remember · Check 'common factor' claims against contrast words such as 'unlike', 'in contrast', 'whereas'.
Question and answer: UPSC's provisional GS Paper II (2026, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·