Cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and other seasonal viruses are on the rise across the northern hemisphere in early 2025, according to the World Health Organization. While news reports and social media videos have caused concern about a potential HMPV outbreak in China,

Authorities in Beijing have downplayed surge in cases, which comes five years after world was first alerted to emergence of Covid-19

Experts say China's rise in HMPV cases is “consistent with global patterns”. But how does the disease compare to COVID-19 and how can we protect ourselves?