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5h ago

Germany’s Respiratory Illnesses Climb as Officials Urge Early Flu and COVID Vaccinations

With early flu detections still low in Bavaria, authorities stress vaccinating high‑risk groups before infections accelerate.

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Eine hustende Frau schaut auf ein Fieberthermometer.
Arzt warnt vor Atemwegserkrankungen mit schweren Verläufen und wirbt fürs Impfen

Overview

  • The Robert Koch Institute reports about 7.5 million new acute respiratory infections per week nationwide, a level that has risen compared with the prior week.
  • Bavaria has logged 50 influenza cases since the Sept. 29 season start as of Oct. 6, and Health Minister Judith Gerlach urged timely flu shots after receiving her own vaccination.
  • STIKO recommends annual influenza and COVID‑19 vaccination for people aged 60 and over and for those with underlying conditions, plus a one‑time pneumococcal shot at 60+ and RSV vaccination for over‑75s or 60+ with severe illnesses.
  • Clinicians caution that hospitals typically see more patients with influenza, SARS‑CoV‑2 and RSV in autumn, with severe courses still occurring in some younger patients with pre‑existing conditions.
  • Doctors highlight October as an optimal window to vaccinate because protection develops in roughly 10–14 days, and combined rapid tests can help higher‑risk individuals and those in contact with vulnerable people identify the cause of illness.