Five years after the first cases of COVID-19, reports of hMPV, an obscure respiratory virus in China may understandably raise concerns.

The human metapneumovirus is reportedly surging in China, but should Americans be concerned? Here's what to know about HMPV symptoms and more.

While cases are climbing in China, the situation is very different from what it was when Covid-19 emerged five years ago, medical experts say. HMPV has circulated in humans for decades.

The WHO said Chinese data up to Dec 29 showed detections of HMPV, seasonal influenza, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have all increased in recent weeks, particularly in northern parts of China. Influenza is currently the most commonly reported cause of disease, it said.

The current HMPV situation in China is a new outbreak of a known and relatively well-understood virus that has likely circulated among humans for hundreds of years. HMPV cases have reportedly surged among young people in northern parts of China in recent weeks. Cases of rhinoviruses, a major cause of common colds, have also risen.

A leading GP has reassured Britons that there is no cause for alarm over the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak, despite recent concerns. Speaking to GB News, Dr Renee Hoenderkamp explained that HMPV has been "circulating for at least 15 years" and is similar to "a common cold".