Winter is fast approaching, and with it comes the usual signs of cold season: increased childcare absences, empty classrooms, and an office filled with sniffles and coughs. But beyond the first snowflakes, the season also brings an increase in coronavirus cases, although interest in protective vaccinations remains low. Here's a rundown of the biggest questions surrounding cold pathogens, who's at risk, and the current vaccination status.
Which pathogens are causing the biggest problems?
According to the Robert Koch Institute, last week, it was mainly rhinoviruses and SARS-CoV-2 circulating, with rhinoviruses becoming more prevalent more recently. The incidence of coronavirus cases in Germany was 28, up 4% from the previous week, with the highest figure (104) in the 80+ age group. However, testing has drastically decreased, and statisticians have much less data to work with compared to previous years.
Currently, the predominant variant in Germany is EG.5, also known as Eris – an Omicron derivative that has not changed the disease severity compared to other current variants. There are also signs of increasing circulation of RS virus, with a significant rise in severe respiratory illnesses in children under four years old.
Who's most at risk, and who needs hospital treatment?
While the overall number of people seeking medical attention due to respiratory illnesses is rising, COVID-19 cases causing severe illnesses and requiring hospitalization have become much rarer thanks to vaccinations and infections. As a result, the occupancy rate of intensive care beds with coronavirus patients is relatively low at 5.3%, with only 658 patients, most of them on ventilators, needing hospitalization. Overall, there were 375 coronavirus-related deaths across Germany during the week from November 12 to 19.
What about vaccination protection?
While 76.4% of Germans have received two COVID-19 vaccine doses, the numbers taper off as you go up the age scale. Only 85.5% of the "60-plus" age group have had their first booster vaccination, and interest in second boosters is even lower, with only 40.7% receiving it. The distribution between the northern and southern states is striking, with Schleswig-Holstein and Bremen leading the way in booster vaccinations, while the numbers are significantly lower in Thuringia and Saxony.
What about the flu (influenza)?
Influenza infections during the 47th reporting week of the year were more than in previous weeks, but the incidence remains low. There are no early signs of an incipient flu epidemic, with flu infections usually peaking in the first quarter of the year. Immunization is highly recommended for high-risk groups, especially for those at risk for both coronavirus and the flu.
The enrichment data suggests that, in Germany, a general COVID-19 vaccine mandate is unlikely, and recommendations for booster shots and specific groups continue to evolve based on emerging variants and risk factors. The flu vaccine is also recommended for high-risk groups and is adapted annually to the new variants.
