Overview
- Germany’s RKI reports a sharp rise in influenza positivity over the past two weeks, signaling the start of a nationwide flu wave.
- RKI recently estimated about 7.2 million people are currently ill and unable to work due to sickness.
- Family doctors in North Rhine-Westphalia say waiting rooms are noticeably fuller yet report no care bottleneck, and they urge vaccination ahead of holiday gatherings.
- STIKO confirms high‑priority, ongoing consultations on possible expansion of its guidance, emphasizing evidence‑based review and the need to raise uptake in current risk groups.
- Intensive‑care specialists (DIVI) urge universal vaccination from six months and cite severe pediatric ICU cases observed earlier this year.