Overview

• Primary-care waiting rooms have been steadily busier for about five weeks, with patient volumes comparable to prior autumns.
• Roughly one sixth of current cases present with flu-like illness featuring more severe symptoms and fever.
• Doctors advise people with respiratory symptoms to isolate at home for three to five days and to use COVID self-tests to limit spread and avoid unnecessary antibiotics.
• Influenza vaccination in medical practices runs from October to mid-December, while many pharmacies in Berlin and Brandenburg also provide flu and COVID shots.
• Pharmacies plan extended hours on 8 October for a nationwide Long Night of Vaccinations, and officials highlight hygiene, outdoor activity, sleep, healthy diet, and booster discussions for people 60+ or at risk.