Germany Records 456 Deaths and 29,694 Hospitalizations in the Current Ongoing Influenza Season Which is Worsening

Medical News: Germany Faces Severe Influenza Season with Rising Cases and Hospitalizations
Germany is grappling with a severe influenza season that has already resulted in 456 deaths and 29,694 hospitalizations. The situation has worsened significantly since the start of the year, with health officials reporting a sharp increase in infections, particularly among young children. Hospitals are struggling to accommodate the growing number of patients, and medical experts are urging the public to take preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus.


Germany Records 456 Deaths and 29,694 Hospitalizations in the Current Ongoing Influenza Season Which is Worsening

Alarming Rise in Pediatric Cases
One of the most concerning aspects of the current influenza season is the disproportionate impact on children. According to data from the German Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases (DGPI), the number of hospitalized children in large pediatric hospitals has increased fivefold since early January.
 
Dr. Tobias Tenenbaum, President of DGPI, noted that entire families are being affected by the flu, with children under the age of eight facing the highest risk of severe illness. "This year, the flu wave is relatively strong," he stated, emphasizing that while the situation is not catastrophic, it is placing a considerable burden on the healthcare system.
 
Pediatricians are particularly alarmed by the number of severe cases requiring hospitalization. Many of the affected children have pre-existing conditions such as asthma, which increases their risk of developing complications like pneumonia, severe bronchitis, and febrile seizures. Additionally, some children experience flu-related muscle inflammation, particularly in the calves, making it difficult for them to walk due to extreme pain.
 
Hospitals Overwhelmed by Patient Influx
The influx of influenza patients is placing immense pressure on Germany's healthcare system, particularly pediatric hospitals. The Professional Association of Pediatricians (BVKJ) has warned that the availability of hospital beds is becoming increasingly limited. In some cases, critically ill children are being transferred to hospitals in other cities due to a lack of space.
 
Dr. Axel Gerschlauer, a pediatrician from Bonn and BVKJ representative for North Rhine-Westphalia, expressed concern about the ongoing crisis. "There are more and more cases of influenza. We are seeing seriously ill infants and young children who have to be admitted to the hospital," he said. The shortage of hospital beds, combined with staffing challenges, is making it difficult to provide adequate care to all affected patients.
 
Influenza Virus Trends and Hospitalization Rates
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has been closely monitoring the spread of influenza and other respiratory infections. According to the latest report for the 6th calendar week of 2025, influenza cases continue to rise, particularly among school-aged children.
https://influenza.rki .de/Wochenberichte/2024_2025/2025-06.pdf
 
https://influenza.rki.de/Wochenberichte.aspx
 
This Medical News report highlights the key developments in infection rates, test positivity rates, hospitalizations, and mortality.
 
During the 6th calendar week (February 3–9, 2025), 186 out of 238 tested samples (78%) from the RKI’s acute respiratory infections (ARE) surveillance program contained respiratory viruses. Among these cases, influenza viruses accounted for 53%, with the following breakdown:
 
-53% Influenza B viruses
-42% Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09
-3% Influenza A(H3N2)
-2% Non-subtyped Influenza A viruses
 
Since the 3rd calendar week, the influenza positivity rate has remained above 50%, indicating widespread transmission. The presence of other respiratory viruses, such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2, further complicates the situation.
 
Severe Cases and ICU Admissions
The hospitalization rate for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) remains high. Influenza remains the primary cause of SARI-related hospital admissions, with 38% of cases testing positive for the virus. Among different age groups, the highest hospitalization rates are observed in school-aged children (5–14 years) and young adults (15–34 years), where more than 50% of SARI cases are attributed to influenza.
 
Intensive care units (ICUs) are also seeing a significant number of critically ill patients due to influenza. Among ICU admissions:
-31% were diagnosed with influenza
-4% had RSV
-3% had COVID-19
 
Rising Mortality and Public Health Concerns
Influenza-related deaths have continued to rise, with 456 fatalities reported since the beginning of the 2024/25 flu season. Of these deaths, 91% occurred in individuals aged 60 and above, highlighting the heightened risk among elderly populations.
 
Wastewater surveillance data also indicates a substantial increase in influenza A and B viral loads, further confirming the widespread nature of the outbreak. Meanwhile, SARS-CoV-2 viral loads have declined, reflecting a decreasing trend in COVID-19 cases.
 
Call for Vaccination and Preventive Measures
Amidst the worsening flu season, health experts are urging the public to get vaccinated. In Germany, influenza vaccination is primarily recommended for high-risk groups, including individuals over 60, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses. However, pediatricians like Dr. Gerschlauer emphasize that flu vaccination is still an option for children and can provide crucial protection against severe illness.
 
Dr. Tenenbaum advises parents to seek medical attention if their child exhibits severe flu symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent fever, or poor food intake. Early medical intervention can help prevent complications and reduce the need for hospitalization.
 
Conclusion
Germany's ongoing influenza season is proving to be one of the most severe in recent years, with a sharp increase in hospitalizations and deaths. Children, especially those under the age of eight, are among the most affected, leading to an overwhelming demand for pediatric hospital care. The shortage of hospital beds and medical staff continues to pose significant challenges, making it difficult to provide adequate treatment to all affected patients.
 
The Robert Koch Institute's latest data shows that influenza remains the dominant respiratory virus, with infection rates continuing to rise. Flu still accounts for a substantial proportion of severe respiratory cases, with many patients requiring intensive care. The growing mortality rate further underscores the seriousness of the current flu wave.
 
Health authorities are strongly advocating for vaccination and other preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus. Regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and wearing masks in crowded areas can help reduce transmission. As the flu season progresses, continued vigilance and public health efforts will be crucial in mitigating its impact.
 
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