Experts explain how to tell difference between flu and HMPV illness as cases rise in UK

Experts have explained how to tell the difference between flu and human metapneumovirus (HMPV), as cases appear to be rising in the UK.

When you're seeing Chinese hospitals being overflowed in 2025 due to a virus, you start thinking of the horrors of five years ago.

As Beijing hospitals are currently witnessing a seasonal HMPV spike, there's been a surge among children.

But the good news is that HMPV is not like Covid-19 and it's a virus that's been around for decades, meaning that fears of a second pandemic are pretty overblown.

Equally, HMPV is not really like the flu either.

There are a few differenced between the flu and HMPV (Getty stock image)

What is HMPV?

HMPV is a virus that was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001.

It can lead to a mild upper respiratory tract infection, causing symptoms of a cough, fever and nasal issues.

However, among children under the age of two, older adults and people with a weak immune system, it can cause more severe symptoms of bronchitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

That being said, Dr Conall Watson, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, told the Daily Mail that most of us don't need to worry.

"Our surveillance systems in GP surgeries and hospitals indicate that levels are in line with what we would expect to see.

"Most people have had HMPV by the time they are five years old and catch it again throughout their lives," he said.

Flu can feel worse than HMPV (Getty stock image)

"Babies, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to more severe episodes.

"As with all respiratory viruses, you can help reduce infections being passed on through regular handwashing and catching coughs and sneezes in tissues and throwing them away.

"If you have symptoms such as a high temperature, cough and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable.

"There are many viruses in circulation at the moment, including flu — if you have symptoms of a respiratory illness and you need to go out, our advice continues to be that you should consider wearing a face mask."

Why is HMPV different from the flu?

Although HMPV's main symptoms - coughing, sore throat, runny nose and slight fever - are similar to that of a common cold, it is different to the flu (influenza).

While most symptoms will be indistinguishable, Professor Ron Eccles explained: "Flu typically causes chills, a fever, headaches, muscle aches and pains.

"The flu feels worse because the symptoms affect the whole body and are not restricted to the upper airways.

"Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea are also more prevalent in influenza cases."

Notably, the flu is caused by a virus, while HMPV is a virus.