Berlin's Respiratory Troubles: Uptick in Flu, RSV, and Covid-19
Currently, Berlin is grappling with an increase in respiratory ailments, including flu, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and Covid-19. The State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso) confirmed this rise in reported cases based on its weekly report on infections.
According to Lageso, laboratory-confirmed flu cases have tripled since the previous week, albeit at a relatively low level just above 120 cases. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany's federal institute for diseases control and prevention, has yet to declare a flu epidemic, but they have reported an uptick in RSV cases. In fact, RSV cases saw a near-doubling compared to the previous week, with children aged up to two years old being primarily affected.
As the winter season continues, healthcare systems are feeling the strain with high numbers of unreported cases assumed for these respiratory illnesses. According to the RKI, there were an estimated 7.9 million acute respiratory illnesses nationwide last week, indicating the wide-spread nature of the issue.
Medical staff at Charité University Hospital is also experiencing an increase in sick leave, leading to postponed appointments and longer waiting times in certain areas. Public transport services in Berlin are also reporting a significant rise in staff absences due to respiratory infections, impacting the efficiency and reliability of their services.
Key Insights:
- Berlin is dealing with an increase in respiratory illnesses caused by various viruses, including flu, RSV, and Covid-19.
- The number of lab-confirmed flu cases in Berlin has tripled compared to the previous week, but is still relatively low at 120.
- RSV cases have risen dramatically, with children under two being primarily affected.
- Experts suggest that many cases of respiratory illnesses remain unreported as not everyone affected visits a doctor or gets tested.
- Germany's federal institute for diseases control and prevention (RKI) has not yet declared a flu epidemic but has reported a sizable increase in RSV cases.
- Hospital staff at Charité, a major Berlin hospital, is experiencing an increase in sick leave, affecting patient care.
- High awareness towards respiratory diseases and the importance of good hygiene are essential to protect public health during the winter season.
- Public transport services in Berlin are also reporting a significant rise in staff absences due to respiratory infections, impacting their services.
