'Hidden' illness HMPV easily mistaken for flu as doctors alerted to virus sweeping China
Recent outbreaks in China have meant that people need to be more aware of 'new' virus
With cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) on the rise following outbreaks in China, doctors have warned of the 'hidden' symptoms that can easily be mistaken for the flu.
Reports have indicated an increase of HMPV cases in China in late 2024 and early 2025, leading many to worry that another world-halting virus is on its way.
Thankfully leading health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have advised that this isn't necessarily something to worry about on the same scale as COVID-19, as HMPV, originally discovered in 2001, is actually less prevalent in China than the same period last year.
Cases of the virus have been increasing in the US, with 1.94% of positive weekly tests for HMPV, but this is still much lower than that of flu (18.71%) and COVID (7.10%).
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Instead, it's likely that the increased spread of HMPV is due to the fact that many people are spending more time close to one another as the end of the year welcomes various parties, events, and social gatherings.
That doesn't mean that it's something you'll be fine to ignore though, as the virus can prove dangerous - especially if you manage to catch it alongside any other similar respiratory infections.
Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, infectious diseases specialist at the University of California, explains that: "Sure, you can get serious disease from HMPV itself, but if you get HMPV plus pneumococcus or HMPV plus influenza or RSV, it could be much worse."
Professor Jaya Dantas at Curtin University has also outlined that: "In young children, the elderly, and those who are immune compromised, HMPV can lead to severe cases and can move to the lower respiratory tract and may lead to pneumonia."
It appears to be particularly dangerous upon first infection, and HMPV is notoriously one of the leader causes of respiratory infections like pneumonia in children under the age of five.
Professor Paul Hunter at the University of East Anglia details: "Almost every child will have at least one infection with HMPV by their fifth birthday and we can expect to go on to have multiple reinfections throughout life."
Perhaps the most concerning factor of HMPV is how difficult it is to spot compared to other similar illnesses, as it presents many of the same symptoms as the flu or even a common cold.
Expect to face a cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath if you've contracted HMPV, and experts indicate that the incubation period is around three to six days.
If you do exhibit any of the above symptoms your best course of action is to stay inside and away from others, and if you do have to leave the house make sure to wear a mask and ensure that you cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
There is currently no vaccine or treatment for HMPV, so the best thing you can do to prevent infection is to remain on top of your hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water.