ive years after the COVID-19 pandemic, China has noted an increase in cases of another respiratory illness. The outbreak of the virus called Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is gaining attention on social media, but experts are not worried about it. They have also disregarded any comparisons to the coronavirus epidemic.

Here's everything you should know about what's going on.

Each year, several pathogens become active during wintertime around the world. HMPV is also a seasonal infection and belongs to the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Like the flu and RSV, it has symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, and fever. It is often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed, but cases are reported every year -- in the U.S. alone, around 20,000 hospitalizations are reported annually among children younger than five years of age.

The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that in the U.S., infections peak in late winter to early spring. HMPV spreads through coughing and sneezing, touching contaminated objects, and close contact with those who are sick. It can also lead to serious illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia. There is currently no vaccine or antiviral treatment. If you are sick, make sure to stay at home and cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze. Prevention includes, much like COVID-19, washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with those exhibiting symptoms.

Still, it's not like the COVID-19 virus. For one, HMPV was first detected in 2001 in the Netherlands, unlike SARS-CoV-2, which was a previously unknown virus. Experts believe that HMPV has existed for decades, and people have built immunity to it. Additionally, medical professionals know how to detect and diagnose it, so very little is unknown. Importantly, it hasn't mutated into different strains, so the risks of another pandemic are low.

Authorities in China have reported an increase in cases among children 14 and younger, and influenza is also being noted. Northern China is particularly affected, and a spike may also be observed after the Lunar New Year celebrations at the end of January when people travel and gather in large groups. The New York Times reported that a spokesperson briefed the media, stating that respiratory viruses increase this time of year and that this year's cases are less severe.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught experts and the public to remain vigilant. The World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring the situation and has stated that it has not received any information about an unusual outbreak pattern. "The observed increase in respiratory pathogen detections is within the range expected for this time of year during the Northern Hemisphere winter."

Infections are rising in China, and some cases have also been detected in India. This time of year, several other pathogens are also active. So, if you are traveling, make sure to avoid crowded places and wear a mask. Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to this virus. Talk to your healthcare provider if you're worried about it, and make sure to rest and stay at home if you're sick. Take special precautions if you are traveling to a region where infections are concentrated, especially with a newborn baby or an elderly companion.