Millions of Germans Struggle with Respiratory Ailments
Coughs and sniffles continue to be commonplace in Germany, with the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reporting high numbers of respiratory illnesses. Recently, the RKI reported around 6.8 million acute respiratory infections in the population within a week, regardless of medical consultation.
The RKI also noted an increasing trend of corona cases and the spreading RSV, a respiratory syncytial virus. Last week, the institute reported approximately 21,800 lab-confirmed corona infections (previously 18,900) and over 95,500 cases since October's start. However, these figures represent just a portion of the actual situation. Clinics have reported fewer corona-related admissions than during the pandemic.
The RKI observed a substantial rise in RSV diagnoses in infants in the past two weeks, which might be due to increased testing following a nationwide RSV reporting requirement. Despite the elevated RSV, the rate of RSV-positive samples in virological monitoring remains low.
RSV is one of the primary respiratory diseases-causing pathogens in infants, especially premature babies and young children. Following the peak of the corona pandemic, many young individuals have been affected, and experts predict a return to normalcy this autumn and winter.
Germany grapples with high respiratory illness numbers, yet the influence of Covid-19 on hospitalizations has recorded lower rates this year compared to the previous one, according to the RKI. However, rising corona cases and RSV spread are concerning developments in the healthcare realm.
The current respiratory disease trends in Germany involve the following:
- RSV Activity: Elevated RSV activity in primary care and hospitals, with a significant number of cases in very young children, is observed. Although RSV test positivity rates have diminished recently, hospital and ICU admissions due to RSV remain elevated.
- Influenza Activity: High influenza activity with predominantly SARI cases in individuals above 65 years is reported in 19 European countries. Approximately half of SARI cases in this age group are related to flu.
- SARS-CoV-2 Activity: SARS-CoV-2 activity has gradually decreased in most EU/EEA countries, including Germany. However, people above 65 years remain at a greater risk of hospitalization and severe outcomes due to covid-19.
- Healthcare System Pressure: High respiratory virus activity puts significant strain on healthcare systems, particularly where capacity is already limited.
- Vaccination Recommendations: Vaccinations against influenza, covid-19, and RSV are recommended for individuals at high risk of severe outcomes and healthcare workers. Early use of antiviral treatments for flu and covid-19 may help prevent severe illness in vulnerable groups.
- Epidemiological Monitoring: The RKI provides regular updates on the current situations of respiratory viruses in Germany, including covid-19, influenza, and RSV, offering recommendations and analyses to manage these diseases.
As Germany grapples with high respiratory ailment numbers, healthcare systems are under strain. Vaccination against influenza, covid-19, and RSV is essential to mitigate severe outcomes.
