How to tell the difference between flu and HMPV as experts say deadly disease is easily mistaken

Staying on top of HMPV is crucial at a time when the virus is at it's most dangerous, so understanding the symptoms - specially how they differ from the flu - are essential in order to combat the outbreak.

While it's hard not to immediately worry that another global pandemic and subsequent lockdown is on the way, thanks to everything we know about human metapneumovirus - otherwise known as HMPV - it's not likely to cause any major widespread issues.

Doctors have been aware of the virus since 2001, and most people catch it before the age of 5 and continue to encounter it throughout their life, but it's had a bit of a boost this year particularly due to reports in China that many are calling an outbreak.

A recent uptick in HMPV cases has many considering the situation to be an outbreak of the virus (Idrees Mohammed/AFP via Getty Images)

One of the most dangerous aspects of HMPV though is how easily it's mistaken for the flu, as at face value many people can't distinguish the difference when they have it. However, it does have a number of key differences that you can use to identify the virus and hopefully that'll help everyone stay safe and healthy in the long run.

What's the difference between HMPV and the flu?

While HMPV's main symptoms of coughing, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath might initially sound identical to that of the flu, they're actually far more similar to - albeit more aggressive than - the common cold.

HMPV targets the upper respiratory areas, and can cause bronchitis and potentially even pneumonia in the most severe cases, but the flu is far more likely to affect the entire body.

"Flu typically causes chills, a fever, headaches, muscle aches, and pains," explains Processor Ron Eccles, as reported by the Daily Mail, continuing on to outline that "the flu feels worse because the symptoms affect the whole body and are not restricted to the upper airways."

Make sure to take note as to where you're experiencing the illness, as if it's just around your lungs and breathing then you might have HMPV as opposed to the flu.

Coughing is one of the most common symptoms of HMPV, whereas full-body chills is more common with the flu (Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

Thankfully for most people it's not something you have to worry about too much, as it's far less dangerous once you've already had it, which as previously stated most already have.

Anyone who is immunocompromised, elderly, or young enough to have not caught it yet should exercise caution though, as it can be far more dangerous that a common cold, despite sharing many of the same symptoms.

Your best bet is to practice extensive hygiene measures - which you're likely already doing - and ensuring that you're wearing a mask wherever possible.