Germany Faces Rising Respiratory Illnesses as Winter Approaches
Nearly seven million in Germany are affected by respiratory illnesses, with COVID-19, influenza, and RSV posing significant threats.
- Experts warn of a 'tripledemic' this winter, with COVID-19 variant XEC, influenza, and RSV circulating widely.
- The Robert Koch Institute reports around 6.9 million cases of acute respiratory illnesses in Germany, a high figure for this time of year.
- COVID-19 is currently the dominant virus in regions like North Rhine-Westphalia, with influenza cases expected to rise later in the season.
- Health authorities recommend vaccinations against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV to mitigate the impact of these viruses.
- While the number of severe cases remains low, healthcare providers are preparing for potential increases in patient load during the winter months.