China has been witnessing a surge in case of a respiratory virus in the past few weeks, sparking worries among people about another COVID-like pandemic.
However, the cases of the flu-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been attributed to the seasonal spike and are far less worrisome, said the medical experts.
Moreover, HMPV is not similar to COVID-19 as the virus has been around for decades including in Pakistan which has infected almost every other child by the age they turn five.
HMPV, a common virus which causes respiratory illnesses, is not any different from flu. Countries which experience months-long cold weather have HMPV seasonally while it circulates at lower levels all year long in countries closer to the Equator.
The virus, which was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001, spreads through direct contact between people when someone touches surfaces contaminated with it.
Symptoms of this virus include cough, fever and nasal congestion.
According to an infectious diseases physician, Hsu Li Yang, children under two, those with weak immune systems including the elderly and people with advanced cancer are the most vulnerable.
Dr Yang said some who get infected may develop more severe disease with their lungs getting affected. "Many will require hospital care, with a smaller proportion at risk of dying from the infection," he added.
HMPV is the most active in the winter and spring season with experts saying that it survives better in cooler temperatures. The virus also passes easily as people tend to stay at home during this season.
The increase in cases in northern China is due to low temperatures expected to last until March. However, other countries in the northern hemisphere are witnessing a spike.
"While this is concerning, the increased prevalence is likely the normal seasonal increase seen in winter," said Jacqueline Stephens, an epidemiologist at Flinders University in Australia.
Experts said that pandemics like COVID-19 are caused by novel pathogens and fortunately, this is not the case for HMPV.
The virus has been around for decades which means that people have
"some degree of existing immunity due to previous exposure," said Dr Yang.
"Almost every child will have at least one infection with HMPV by their fifth birthday and we can expect to go on to have multiple reinfections throughout life," says Paul Hunter, a medical professor at the University of East Anglia in England.
"So overall, I don't think there are currently any signs of a more serious global issue."
However, Dr Yang still advises people to take standard precautions like wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, washing hands and getting the flu vaccine.
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