Overview
- Insurer data show a sharp uptick in sick notes for airway infections, with Mecklenburg-Vorpommern recording 202 per 10,000 insured workers in late September, roughly double the prior month, and higher rates reported in several other states.
- Surveillance in MV indicates no broad influenza wave yet, though weekly detections rose to 11 flu and 137 COVID-19 cases in the October 20–26 period, with illnesses accumulating particularly among young children.
- Pharmacies in Munich report brisk sales of cough medicines, throat lozenges, fever reducers and supplements such as vitamin C, zinc and vitamin D3, with no supply shortages expected.
- Doctors and pharmacists are urging seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccination now, with RSV shots advised for older or vulnerable adults, and they recommend combined rapid tests for flu, COVID-19 and RSV in more severe cases.
- Large Berlin employers including BSR, BVG, Deutsche Bahn and DHL report stable operations with only isolated staffing gaps, as clinics and public services continue to run according to plan.