Influenza rampant in Saxony - over 30 flu deaths so far

The health authorities in Saxony are registering more and more respiratory illnesses in the course of the seasonal flu epidemic. According to the State Investigation Institute (LUA), cases of influenza in particular continue to increase. In the last week of January, 5,575 cases were reported, according to the authority another "almost sharp increase" of 69 percent. Whereas previously it was mainly adults who were affected, it is now mainly younger schoolchildren who continue to be affected.

There was also another increase in the number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections reported, although this was more moderate at 19 percent. The 463 cases are still mostly diagnosed in young children, followed by senior citizens. Meanwhile, coronavirus infections, which dominated until the end of 2024, are still on the decline with 266 newly reported cases - mainly affecting adults and senior citizens.

Over 200 deaths from respiratory diseases

Since the official start of the season at the beginning of October 2024, 14,028 cases of influenza, 14,361 coronavirus infections and 1,858 RSV infections have been confirmed nationwide as of February 2, along with a total of 227 deaths. According to the data, 193 people between the ages of 46 and 97 died from a Sars-CoV-2 infection, 33 people between the ages of 48 and 98 died from influenza and a 92-year-old died from an RSV infection.

Barmer offers "Teledoctor" for all interested parties

The Barmer health insurance company has set up a free flu hotline (daily 6.00 a.m. to midnight on 0800 84 84 111). Interested parties can contact the "teledoctor" with questions about respiratory infections, prevention and what to do if they fall ill, regardless of where they are insured. It's not too late to get a flu vaccination," said regional managing director Monika Welfens, recommending it above all for people aged 60 and over, chronically ill people of all ages, pregnant women and residents of retirement and nursing homes. This is because the true extent of the flu epidemic cannot be predicted. "Influenza can be extremely severe and last for several weeks."