Overview

• The Robert Koch Institute estimates about 7.1 million acute respiratory infections in the past week, with general practices reporting fuller waiting rooms and wastewater indicating higher SARS-CoV-2 levels.
• The XFG “Stratus” lineage accounts for roughly 82% of sequences and is considered more transmissible, yet RKI and WHO currently assess its public-health risk as low.
• Health authorities recommend influenza and COVID-19 boosters for people over 60 and those with underlying conditions, and the two vaccines can generally be given at the same visit.
• RSV prevention now includes a one-time standard vaccination for everyone 75 and older and for 60–74-year-olds with severe disease, with the antibody nirsevimab offered for newborns in their first RSV season.
• A multi-country analysis from the Southern Hemisphere reports the 2025 influenza vaccine reduced clinic visits by about 50% and hospitalizations by roughly 50%, guiding expectations for the coming season.