Overview
- Germany’s disease institute estimates about 7.2 million people currently have an acute respiratory infection.
- Regional surveillance reports a sharp rise in influenza-positive tests in recent weeks, signaling the start of the flu wave.
- Hamburg has recorded 242 influenza cases since late September, with roughly one third hospitalized and three deaths reported.
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has confirmed only 30 influenza A cases since October, with more rhinoviruses and SARS-CoV-2 identified.
- Experts warn of a genetically distinct H3N2 strain and call for vaccination now, noting coverage remains below the 75% goal for risk groups (MV 49.1%, national 38.2%).