Overview

• The RKI estimates about 7.1 million acute respiratory infections in the past week, driven largely by rhinoviruses with COVID-19 activity increasing from a low base.
• STIKO advises autumn COVID-19 and influenza boosters for people aged 60 and older and for adults with underlying conditions, plus a one-time RSV shot for those 75 and older or 60–74 with serious chronic illness.
• RSV protection tools are in use, including Arexvy and Abrysvo for older adults, Abrysvo for maternal vaccination, and the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab for newborns and infants.
• General practitioners report fuller waiting rooms and wastewater data show rising SARS-CoV-2 levels, while doctors urge symptomatic people to stay home for several days and use testing strategically.
• New data from eight Southern Hemisphere countries indicate this season’s influenza vaccine roughly halved doctor visits and hospitalizations, supporting uptake ahead of the northern winter.