As a general rule, cold symptoms such as runny nose and sore throat are not common in early Hantavirus illness. If you have these symptoms, chances are its another virus such as flu or COVID. Exceptions may occur, so if you’re pretty sick and you’re uncertain, seek medical evaluation.

Also, with hantavirus there is usually not a cough on the first day. So, if there’s cough from the beginning, it is more likely flu, COVID or some other respiratory virus.

Regardless of cause, if symptoms are severe, you should seek medical care. Shortness of breath is always potentially serious and is always a good reason to get checked.

Remember that while tests for flu and COVID may be readily available, Hantavirus tests blood tests that have to be sent out, and results will take at least a couple of days. However, if your healthcare provider is considering hantavirus as a diagnosis, there may be other blood tests that can help decide if you are at risk (e.g. hantavirus 5 point screen).