Overview
- RKI estimates about 8,800 acute respiratory illnesses per 100,000 people in the week of Jan 26–Feb 1, roughly 7.4 million cases, assessed as high for the season.
- Laboratory surveillance shows influenza A as the dominant pathogen (about 60–63%), with H3N2—including subclade K—circulating in children and young adults, while Covid‑19 remains low at roughly 100 per 100,000.
- Wastewater and lab indicators, which dipped after New Year, have turned upward again, suggesting the influenza wave may not yet have peaked.
- Hospitals report a moderate overall burden with a slight decline in severe cases, but pediatric admissions among 5–14‑year‑olds have increased; ICU capacity is broadly stable, with some units above 90% in Berlin, Bremen and Saarland.
- Regional data show accelerated growth in Saxony and parts of northern Germany, and authorities highlight vaccination guidance, including STIKO’s RSV shot for people 75+ and certain at‑risk adults 60+.