Can it get worse, if they don't worry about a notable evolution?
Germany's current influenza season is active and widespread, driven by a new virus variant, but its overall severity remains within the range of typical annual outbreaks . The situation, monitored by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), is marked by higher infection rates among children but more severe outcomes in older adults.
Here is a summary of the key situation in Germany based on recent data:
Aspect Details (as of late January 2026)
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📊 Activity Level High, widespread circulation across the country .
🦠 Dominant Virus Influenza A(H3N2), particularly the Subclade K (accounts for ~65%
Here is a summary of the key situation in Germany based on recent data:
Aspect Details (as of late January 2026)
:--- :---
📊 Activity Level High, widespread circulation across the country .
🦠 Dominant Virus Influenza A(H3N2), particularly the Subclade K (accounts for ~65%
of analyzed cases) .
⏱️ Season Trend Started about 3-4 weeks earlier than usual (late November 2025) .
📈 Recent Cases ~20,700 lab-confirmed cases reported in one week . Cumulative total:
⏱️ Season Trend Started about 3-4 weeks earlier than usual (late November 2025) .
📈 Recent Cases ~20,700 lab-confirmed cases reported in one week . Cumulative total:
>80,000 confirmed cases this season .
🏥 Hospitalizations Influenza is the leading cause of severe respiratory infections
🏥 Hospitalizations Influenza is the leading cause of severe respiratory infections
requiring hospital care .
⚠️ Reported Fatalities Cumulative total: 559 reported deaths this season, with 96% of
⚠️ Reported Fatalities Cumulative total: 559 reported deaths this season, with 96% of
victims aged 60 or older .
### 🔬 Understanding the H3N2 Subclade K
This season is characterized by the widespread circulation of a specific variant of the influenza A(H3N2) virus, known as Subclade K. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes it as a "notable evolution" of the virus due to several genetic changes. However, current epidemiological data does not indicate that this variant causes more severe disease than previous H3N2 strains.
The main public health challenge lies in its transmissibility. The genetic changes mean the virus can partially evade the immunity people have built from past infections or vaccinations, potentially leading to more infections across all age groups .
### 👥 Who is Most Affected?
The impact of the flu wave varies significantly by age group:
Children (0-14 years) are most frequently infected. They are key drivers of virus
### 🔬 Understanding the H3N2 Subclade K
This season is characterized by the widespread circulation of a specific variant of the influenza A(H3N2) virus, known as Subclade K. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes it as a "notable evolution" of the virus due to several genetic changes. However, current epidemiological data does not indicate that this variant causes more severe disease than previous H3N2 strains.
The main public health challenge lies in its transmissibility. The genetic changes mean the virus can partially evade the immunity people have built from past infections or vaccinations, potentially leading to more infections across all age groups .
### 👥 Who is Most Affected?
The impact of the flu wave varies significantly by age group:
Children (0-14 years) are most frequently infected. They are key drivers of virus
transmission in the community. Among children hospitalized with respiratory
infections, influenza is often the cause .
Adults over 60 years face the highest risk of severe outcomes. They account for the vast
Adults over 60 years face the highest risk of severe outcomes. They account for the vast
majority of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths .
### 💉 Vaccine Effectiveness & Recommendations
Despite the changes in the virus, vaccination remains the most important protective measure, especially for preventing severe illness .
Effectiveness: Preliminary estimates from the European Centre for Disease Prevention
### 💉 Vaccine Effectiveness & Recommendations
Despite the changes in the virus, vaccination remains the most important protective measure, especially for preventing severe illness .
Effectiveness: Preliminary estimates from the European Centre for Disease Prevention
and Control (ECDC) indicate the current seasonal vaccine has an effectiveness of
52-57% against influenza infection requiring medical care. Its effectiveness in
preventing severe disease and hospitalization is expected to be preserved .
Official Advice: Germany's Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) strongly
Official Advice: Germany's Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) strongly
recommends vaccination for:
People aged 60 and over.
Pregnant women (from the second trimester).
People with chronic medical conditions.
Residents of care homes.
Healthcare workers and those in regular contact with high-risk individuals .
Experts note that while the optimal time for vaccination is before the flu wave begins (October to mid-December), getting vaccinated later in the season can still be beneficial, as influenza activity often continues into April .
### 🛡️ How to Protect Yourself and Others
Beyond vaccination, proven public health measures are effective:
Practice good hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly and regularly.
Wear a mask: Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces like public transport,
People aged 60 and over.
Pregnant women (from the second trimester).
People with chronic medical conditions.
Residents of care homes.
Healthcare workers and those in regular contact with high-risk individuals .
Experts note that while the optimal time for vaccination is before the flu wave begins (October to mid-December), getting vaccinated later in the season can still be beneficial, as influenza activity often continues into April .
### 🛡️ How to Protect Yourself and Others
Beyond vaccination, proven public health measures are effective:
Practice good hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly and regularly.
Wear a mask: Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces like public transport,
especially if you have symptoms .
Stay home if sick: To avoid infecting others.
Seek medical advice: Contact a doctor if you experience sudden high fever, severe
Stay home if sick: To avoid infecting others.
Seek medical advice: Contact a doctor if you experience sudden high fever, severe
cough, or difficulty breathing, particularly if you belong to a high-risk group.
I hope this detailed overview is helpful. Would you like me to find more specific information, such as the flu activity level in a particular German federal state or official guidelines for specific risk groups?
I hope this detailed overview is helpful. Would you like me to find more specific information, such as the flu activity level in a particular German federal state or official guidelines for specific risk groups?
Based on the available search results, there is no authoritative information confirming which German region is worst affected or verifying the figure of 6.5 million infections.
### 🔍 Where the "6.5 Million" Figure Comes From
The number 6.5 million is not sourced from official German health authorities like the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). It only appears in articles from health magazines and social media posts with low authority. These sources do not cite primary data.
Official European and German surveillance typically reports numbers differently, such as weekly confirmed cases, hospitalization rates, or positivity rates among people seeking medical care, rather than total estimated infections. The last official figure mentioned in these results is the cumulative total of >80,000 lab-confirmed cases reported previously.
### 📊 How to Find Current and Regional Data
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend checking official surveillance sources directly. They provide interactive maps and detailed regional breakdowns:
Information Needed Recommended Source
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Regional Flu Activity in Germany Robert Koch Institute (RKI) Influenza Maps: The RKI, Germany's national public health institute, publishes weekly maps showing influenza activity levels for each region.
European Context & Country Comparisons ECDC ERVISS Dashboard: This interactive dashboard by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control shows weekly data on influenza intensity across EU/EEA countries and regions.
### ✍️ Summary of Findings
Regional Severity: Not confirmed. The situation can change weekly, so the RKI maps are
### 🔍 Where the "6.5 Million" Figure Comes From
The number 6.5 million is not sourced from official German health authorities like the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). It only appears in articles from health magazines and social media posts with low authority. These sources do not cite primary data.
Official European and German surveillance typically reports numbers differently, such as weekly confirmed cases, hospitalization rates, or positivity rates among people seeking medical care, rather than total estimated infections. The last official figure mentioned in these results is the cumulative total of >80,000 lab-confirmed cases reported previously.
### 📊 How to Find Current and Regional Data
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend checking official surveillance sources directly. They provide interactive maps and detailed regional breakdowns:
Information Needed Recommended Source
:--- :---
Regional Flu Activity in Germany Robert Koch Institute (RKI) Influenza Maps: The RKI, Germany's national public health institute, publishes weekly maps showing influenza activity levels for each region.
European Context & Country Comparisons ECDC ERVISS Dashboard: This interactive dashboard by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control shows weekly data on influenza intensity across EU/EEA countries and regions.
### ✍️ Summary of Findings
Regional Severity: Not confirmed. The situation can change weekly, so the RKI maps are
the best resource.
6.5 Million Infections: This figure is not verified by official sources and should be
6.5 Million Infections: This figure is not verified by official sources and should be
treated with caution.
I recommend checking the official RKI website for its weekly influenza report and maps for the most reliable picture. Would you like me to try and find the direct link to the RKI's current flu report for you?
I recommend checking the official RKI website for its weekly influenza report and maps for the most reliable picture. Would you like me to try and find the direct link to the RKI's current flu report for you?
