Flu season in Saxony - two coronavirus deaths in the first week

The annual flu season in Saxony has started with two deaths. According to the State Investigation Institute (LUA), a 90-year-old and a 92-year-old died from coronavirus in the first week of October. Sars-CoV-2 also clearly dominates among the pathogens currently detected in the state, with illnesses mostly being registered in older adults and senior citizens. Reports of influenza and RSV infections, however, are only sporadic, "as is to be expected in this period of the year".

According to the Ministry of Health, the current number of registered cases is "not unusual" for the time of year. "Further developments are being monitored", a spokeswoman said on request. The number of reported flu cases has been increasing since mid-August. Nationwide, the activity of acute respiratory illnesses is stable, at a comparatively high level for the time of year. The current situation is mainly determined by rhinoviruses. The LUA is now again reporting weekly on reported influenza and other infections such as Sars-CoV-2 or whooping cough.

More influenza cases and fewer corona infections

In total, 20,706 cases of influenza, 9,753 corona infections, 6,175 cases of respiratory syncytial (RS) viruses and 1,365 cases of whooping cough have been registered so far this year. The comparative statistics for the same period in 2023 show 4,404 cases of influenza, 3,984 RSV infections and 90 cases of whooping cough, but 37,918 coronavirus infections.
The ministry appeals to people to observe sneezing and coughing etiquette as well as good hand hygiene, particularly with regard to the transmission of pathogens. In the event of symptoms of a respiratory infection such as fever, cold, sore throat or cough, people should stay at home for three to five days until they feel better and avoid contact, especially with older people and people with pre-existing conditions.

Minister promotes vaccinations

"Flu is not a harmless cold," warned Health Minister Petra Köpping (SPD) and encouraged people to take advantage of "an effective and well-tolerated vaccination". Vaccination rates for influenza in Bavaria have been falling for years. In 2023/2024, it only increased for infants from six months to toddlers of two years. According to the ministry, the EU's vaccination coverage target of 75% for senior citizens is still not being met, with the risk of hospital admissions and deaths increasing with age.

In the 2023/2024 season, almost 21,580 influenza cases were reported in Saxony - the fourth highest number of cases since the introduction of electronic reporting in 2001, according to the ministry - and 116 flu deaths. In the previous winter, there were over 30,000 cases and 127 people who died with or from it.