With Assam reporting the first case of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) of the year on Saturday, it is now time for everyone to gear up and take preventive measures. According to the WHO, human metapneumovirus is one of the viruses that cause common colds or upper respiratory infections, which usually makes people only mildly sick, but it can make some people very sick. First identified way back in 2001, it has been spreading among people for many decades; it has suddenly spread rapidly across the globe, causing infection of the lung (pneumonia) or inflammation of the airways to the lungs (bronchiolitis, bronchitis). Symptoms of more severe disease include wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, severe fatigue, dehydration, or a persistent fever that does not improve. It spreads like other common cold viruses do, through infectious respiratory particles that spread through the air from a sick person to others. This means a person can catch the virus when they are close to a sick person or sharing a closed space with them. It can also enter the body by touching contaminated surfaces like doorknobs or handles and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. As stated by WHO, there is still a lack of full understanding of how it spreads in all regions and climates. But studies show that hMPV mainly spreads in late winter and spring, at the same time as other common respiratory viruses. As of now, the WHO has issued a four-point advisory to prevent hMPV infection— (i) wear a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, (ii) improve ventilation where possible, (iii) clean hands regularly and thoroughly, with either soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, (iv) and avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth without cleaning hands first.