Respiratory โIllnesses โขSurge Across Germany: โขRKI Reports Overโ seven Million Cases
Berlin โ- โคGermanyโฃ is experiencing a meaningful rise in respiratory diseases,โ with the Robert koch Instituteโฃ (RKI) reporting more than โseven million cases nationwide. The increase, encompassing a range โขof acute โขrespiratory illnesses, is prompting โhealth officials to urge preventative measures,โค particularly vaccination against influenza.
The surge comes as colder weather sets in, โฃcreating โideal conditions for the spread of โคrespiratory viruses.The RKIโฃ data โindicates a moderate level of activity,with approximately 1,500 doctor visits per 100,000โค inhabitants attributedโข to acute respiratory diseases,totaling around โ1.2 million visits overall. This uptick affectsโข allโค age groups but poses a heightened risk toโ vulnerable populations,including the elderly,individuals with chronic โillnesses,pregnant women,and healthcare workers.
The Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) recommends influenza vaccination for those most at risk, including individuals aged 60 and โคover, people withโ pre-existing health conditions, โคpregnant women, residents of nursing homes and elderly care facilities, and medical personnel. Vaccinationโค is a key strategy to mitigate the impact of the rising cases and prevent severe illness and potential complications.
Theโ RKI continues to monitorโ the situation closely and will provide updated details as it becomes available. Public health officials emphasize the importance of practicing goodโข hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes, to help curb the spread of respiratoryโ illnesses.