News of a respiratory virus spreading in China and footage of crowded hospitals have predictably led to panic, with concern that the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) may be COVID 2.0 for 2025. Cases in the US have been increasing since November.

Dr Michael Head said HMPV is 'already present' in the UK but pinpointed a crucial difference between the recent outbreak in northern China and the Covid-19 pandemic

Public health advice for HMPV is similar to that for flu, said John Tregoning, professor in vaccine immunology at Imperial College London. "Protecting yourself by being in well-ventilated (spaces), covering your mouth when you cough (and) washing your hands will all help," he said.