Even as the world fixates on hMPV, a genuine pandemic threat is emerging in the form of H5N1 bird flu. The virus has jumped to cows and spread across the country through dairy herds, poultry farms and even zoos, infecting millions of animals and dozens of people, the vast majority of them farm workers.

Authorities in China said they are monitoring cases of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, after a reported increase inside the country, according to Reuters. Although cases are increasing at a rapid rate,

In China, reports of HMPV infections have indeed been rising in recent weeks in the more northerly regions. But so have reports of all the other respiratory pathogens including seasonal flu, rhinovirus and RSV.

Five years on from the first news of COVID, recent reports of an obscure respiratory virus in China may understandably raise concerns.

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".

Experts have warned the public that a virus surging in China could make its way overseas as it is 'likely to spread', with Brits now warned to brace for the HMPV virus