Overview

• The Robert Koch Institute reports approximately eight million active cases of acute respiratory infections in Germany, surpassing figures from recent years.
• Influenza viruses account for over half of the cases, with smaller contributions from RSV and SARS-CoV-2, as confirmed by laboratory analyses and wastewater monitoring.
• Experts recommend preventive measures such as vaccination, proper hygiene, mask-wearing in crowded spaces, and avoiding close contact when symptomatic.
• Demand for combination rapid tests for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 has risen, but experts caution about their limited sensitivity, particularly for RSV detection.
• Severe flu cases requiring hospitalization are three times higher than in previous years, highlighting the strain on healthcare resources.