Overview

• Rhinoviruses, SARS‑CoV‑2 and parainfluenza are driving the current wave, with relatively few severe cases reported so far, according to the RKI.
• The Omicron lineage XFG, known as Stratus, made up about 82% of recent SARS‑CoV‑2 detections and commonly presents with early throat symptoms, while RKI and WHO assess overall risk as low.
• STIKO recommends a one‑time RSV vaccination for everyone aged 75 and for 60–74 year‑olds with serious underlying conditions, preferably before the typical October–March RSV period.
• For newborns and infants, clinicians advise the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab during the first RSV season following birth to provide several months of protection.
• PCR testing is advised when results would influence care for high‑risk patients or severe illness, as antigen tests may miss infections at lower viral loads.