The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for Public Health has reported a significant increase in flu cases, indicating that the flu wave in Germany is imminent.
Rapid Increase in Infections
According to a recent report from the institute, the number of laboratory-confirmed flu cases has risen sharply since early December. In the week starting December 2, around 1,220 confirmed cases were reported, while this number surged to 4,560 cases in the week beginning December 30.
The report noted that in past years, the seasonal flu wave typically began in January and lasted between three and four months. The flu wave is considered officially underway when influenza viruses (A or B) are detected in one out of every five patient samples.
Increase in Hospital Admissions
The institute also recorded a rise in hospital admissions due to influenza, with the hospitalization rate climbing from 18% in early December to 27% by the end of the month, based on reported cases.
Outbreak of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
In addition to the flu, the Robert Koch Institute has observed a surge in cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). In the week starting December 30, 967 cases were reported, compared to around 430 cases at the beginning of the month. Furthermore, five deaths linked to RSV infection have been recorded since the start of the season.
Decline in Acute Respiratory Infections During the Holidays
Despite the rising infections, the institute noted a general decline in acute respiratory infections during the holiday period, a pattern observed in previous years. In the first week of the new year, the infection rate for acute respiratory illnesses stood at 6,300 cases per 100,000 people, compared to 7,900 cases per 100,000 people in the previous week.
Vigilance and Precaution as the Year Begins
With these increasing numbers, health experts are closely monitoring the situation in Germany, urging the public to enhance preventive measures and adhere to health guidelines to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.
