It's that time of year again, folks! As we approach the festive season in Germany, respiratory infections are once again rearing their ugly heads. With Corona, colds, and flu on the rise, it seems like this year's pre-Christmas period is full of sniffling, coughing, and wheezing.
According to data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), around 7.9 million acute respiratory illnesses were reported nationwide in the past week, up from 7.1 million in the previous report. After Corona dominated for some time, the RKI recently announced the start of the RSV wave, and now flu cases are also on the rise. However, the flu epidemic triggered by influenza viruses has not yet begun in full force, with influenza cases largely affecting school-age children and young adults.
The number of reported Corona cases remains high, with around 26,850 cases reported in the past week. Despite basic immunity through vaccinations and infections in the population, severe cases are still a concern, especially for those with poor immunization or a long time since their last vaccination.
With so many respiratory diseases on the loose, it's no wonder that our immune systems are working overtime. Some experts suggest that a small catch-up effect could still be playing a role in the current high levels, with people possibly becoming infected with pathogens they didn't encounter as often during the pandemic.
Carsten Watzl, an immunologist from Dortmund, vehemently refutes claims that hygiene measures during the pandemic could have damaged the immune system. Instead, he emphasizes that our immune systems are always active, and the current increase in infections is simply a result of our resumption of normal activities.
As we navigate this respiratory illness season, it's important to remember the basics of good hygiene and to get vaccinated against both Corona and influenza if you're in a vulnerable population. And who knows, maybe this year's Christmas season will be a little easier on our respiratory systems than the last few.
Additional Insights
According to the latest data, flu cases are on the rise, with hospitalizations and deaths from flu also increasing. COVID-19 cases are declining, but hospitalization rates for COVID-19 are increasing, especially among seniors. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) ED visits are highest in young children, and wastewater detections are at moderate levels.
Mortality figures in Germany have been slightly below the median for the past four years, but there was a significant increase in Week 4, which was 6% higher than the median. Despite these trends, it's important to remember that everyone's immune system is different, and what is safe for one person may not be safe for another. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
