How to identify whether you have HMPV or Flu…both have similar symptoms, what to do, what not to do

HMPV vs Flu Difference : Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is increasing in India these days. Most of its victims are children, elderly and those with weak immunity. Its symptoms are quite mild and are easily cured without treatment. In some cases, this virus can become serious and cause respiratory diseases like bronchitis, pneumonia.

It has been reported in many studies that most of the symptoms of HMPV are similar to flu. Problems like cold, fever or sore throat are quite common in both. In such a situation, the question arises that cough and cold are quite common during the winter season. When there are so many similarities between the two, how can we differentiate between them?

How similar is HMPV and flu?

According to health experts, HMPV is an old virus. This is not the first time it has spread, its cases have been found earlier also. Many times children get this infection and it goes away without being detected. Because its symptoms are similar to flu, it is not given much attention. This time it is more in discussion because of mutation.

Experts say that HMPV is an RNA virus, which keeps mutating with time. Most of its symptoms are similar to other viruses like respiratory syncytial virus and influenza. This is the reason why, like flu, HMPV is also causing problems like cough, sore throat, runny nose and breathing problems.

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What is the difference between HMPV and flu

1. Health experts say that both HMPV and flu affect the respiratory system and similar symptoms are seen, hence it is difficult to differentiate between them. However, they can be detected by some things.

2. Flu can occur at any age, whereas most cases of HMPV are seen only in small children, the elderly and those with weak immunity. However, youth can also become its victims.

3. HMPV has a risk of triggering cases of asthma and bronchitis, whereas this rarely happens with flu.

4. Doctors say that HMPV can be easily detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Not everyone with cold or flu-like symptoms should get this test done.