The relentless grip of the flu is tightening across Germany and neighboring countries, as health officials report unprecedented numbers of infections and hospitalizations caused by the influenza virus. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the current influenza outbreak has reached alarming levels, particularly affecting children and adolescents.
Data from the RKI highlights the troubling trend: during the week of January 27 to February 2, nearly one in six children aged five to 14—a significant increase from one in seven last year—were suffering from acute respiratory illnesses. This sharp rise translates to approximately 17,180 affected children per 100,000, up from 13,810 for the same period last year. The RKI attributes this surge to the rampant spread of influenza viruses, primarily strains A(H1N1)pdm09, alongside seasonal B viruses.
Healthcare professionals are sounding the alarm about the increase of serious cases. Hospital admissions for severe flu cases among school-aged children have more than tripled since the beginning of the year, resulting in substantial stress on both healthcare and educational systems. Schools are facing significant absenteeism, with many classrooms reporting two to three students missing on average. This has led to challenges for teachers as well, with many falling ill and having to cancel classes.
Stefan Düll, president of the German Teachers’ Association, noted, “It is becoming a real problem, especially since many teachers are also sick. We are seeing constant interruptions to lessons, even during the middle of the school day.” The high level of flu cases has prompted authorities to urge for vaccinations, primarily targeting vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Particularly serious is the fact reported by health authorities: 70 percent of children who were hospitalized were admitted primarily for influenza. The overall number of flu infections has dramatically grabbed health sector attention, with approximately eight million Germans currently afflicted with various respiratory illnesses, including influenza, COVID-19, and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Regional reports indicate significant spikes across various states. For example, Bremen recorded 162 confirmed flu cases just last week, which is already higher than any weekly tallies seen over the past seven years. The figures reflect not just immediate impacts on health services, but also long-term burdens expected to be carried by the healthcare system as hospitals deal with overwhelming numbers of flu patients.
To compound matters, nearly one-fifth of children are unable to attend preschool due to illness. Health officials from Lower Saxony have reported finding influenza viruses present in nearly 50 percent of recent respiratory samples submitted by medical practitioners, indicating not only widespread transmission but also the potential for more cases to occur.
Claudia Bernhard, Health Senator of Bremen, has emphasized the importance of vaccination, particularly for at-risk populations. “High risk individuals, especially the elderly, should receive vaccinations as soon as possible to help mitigate severe outcomes,” she said.
The RKI continues to monitor the situation closely, anticipating the peak of the flu wave might still be on the horizon. Current predictions estimate this outbreak could linger until March, necessitating sustained public health initiatives and outreach to encourage vaccination and responsible hygiene practices.
Efforts to control the spread of the flu have been underscored by health campaigns advocating for regular hand washing, wearing masks during crowded events, and the rapid isolation of symptomatic individuals to prevent community transmission. Public health recommendations stress not only the need for vaccinations but educating the public on recognizing symptoms and staying home if ill.
While the severity of flu infections varies year by year, this season has proven particularly intense, leading to productivity losses across various sectors. Discussions surrounding the flu's impact are heightened by comparisons to prior years, indicating the extraordinary burden placed upon educational institutions and healthcare workers alike.
With health systems under pressure, Germany and its neighbors are taking collective measures to respond to the outbreak, reminding populations of the need for vigilance, personal responsibility, and timely medical intervention to curb the high rates of influenza infections.