Cases of an obscure virus that most Scots have never heard of are expected to spike this spring. Experts are warning us not to blame the usual suspects such as RSV, Covid or the flu for symptoms such as a runny nose.A common germ called human metapneumovirus (hMPV) can cause serious respiratory infections - but many people don't know it even exists.
The virus, which can also cause a fever, cough and breathing difficulties in some cases, is causing issues in America.It has now reached record levels with one in 10 people having hMPV by mid-March, Nottinghamshire Live reports.
But the bug has not yet developed in the UK.It was first identified by scientists in the Netherlands in 2001 and is spread through close contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated areas or items.
It causes a short illness, lasting two to five days, and then goes away on its own.Over-the-counter medicines like decongestants can help manage the symptoms.