Health experts warn of emerging flu wave in Germany

Due to the cold temperatures and people spending a lot of time indoors, winter is typically when flu spreads quickly in northern Europe. 

And this year, flu is already heavily affecting communities, according to public health experts. 

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany’s centre for monitoring and preventing disease, said there were signs of the beginning of a flu epidemic in Germany. Since the start of December, the number of reported cases of flu has risen significantly, according to a recent report.

Around 1,220 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases were reported to the institute in the week of December 2nd 2024, the report stated. Meanwhile, the figure for the week starting 30th December showed around 4,560 cases.

However, this number is thought to be the tip of the iceberg because most cases go unreported. 

In general, January is usually the period in which the number of cases rises sharply. Flu waves of recent years usually last three to four months.

In simplified terms, a flu epidemic is said to have started when influenza A or B viruses are detected in every fifth patient sample.

Hospital admissions and deaths rise

Another indicator of flu beginning to sweep through the population is that the number of hospital admissions have gone up.

In the week starting December 2nd, around 18 percent of patients with a reported flu diagnosis were admitted to hospital for treatment. In the week of December 30th, that figure had risen to around 27 percent.

There has also been an increase in the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in recent weeks. In the week of December 30th, 967 cases were reported to the RKI. At the beginning of December, that number stood at 430.

The influenza and RS viruses have also caused a number of deaths already. In the 2024/25 season so far, 40 deaths connected to an influenza virus have been reported to the RKI. Health experts said 80 percent of those affected were aged 60 or older.

A total of five deaths from RSV infections have been reported to the RKI.

Other countries in Europe have also reported flu waves. For instance in the UK at the end of December, data showed there were 5,000 patients with the flu virus being treated in hospital.

Who can get a flu jab?

Experts in Germany have urged people eligible for a flu vaccine this winter to make an appointment. 

Germany’s Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends that people aged 60 and over and adults with underlying diseases should get a booster vaccination. Other groups, such as medical stuff and care workers, are also urged to get it.

Covid-19 is also still causing issues and many people may be eligible for a top-up vaccination against this virus.

READ ALSO:

• Should you get a flu shot in Germany?
• Who should get a top-up Covid vaccination in Germany?

Vocabulary

Influenza - (die) Grippe

Flu wave/flu epidemic - (die) Grippewelle

Hospitalisation - (die) Krankenhauseinweisung

Recommend - empfehlen

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