It is a common virus that circulates in winter and spring,” Harris said. The WHO representative added that this virus usually causes respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold. "Human ...

As China experiences a rise in respiratory infections this winter, ... “Typically, infections are relatively mild, and we often think about it like the common cold,” she added.

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.

Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus which causes common cold, and in the very old and the very young it could cause flu-like symptoms." What Happens Next ...

Commenting on the matter, the WHO told the Global Times in a previous exclusive interview that HMPV is not a new virus, but a common one which usually causes symptoms similar to the common cold.

Infections are usually mild, causing symptoms of a common cold. Our surveillance systems in GP surgeries and hospitals indicate that levels are in line with what we would expect to see.

China steps up monitoring amid new virus outbreak. ... Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, is a respiratory virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold and influenza.