Increasing Number of Children Hospitalized Amid Worsening Flu Outbreak

The current influenza season has seen a sharp rise in the number of children admitted to hospitals across Germany due to acute respiratory infections, with influenza cases significantly outnumbering those caused by other viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and RSV. According to data collected from approximately 50 pediatric clinics nationwide, the trend in hospital admissions reflects a typical seasonal pattern, with no indication of an increase in severe cases compared to previous years. Nevertheless, medical professionals stress the importance of recognizing influenza as a serious illness that extends beyond mild cold-like symptoms.

Recent surveillance reports indicate that the volume of influenza infections is on the rise across all age groups. Wastewater analyses have shown a notable increase in the concentration of influenza type A virus, while type B remains at lower levels. Between January 5 and January 11, close to 20,500 laboratory-confirmed flu cases were reported to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), a substantial increase from the previous week's 14,930 cases. Experts caution that the actual number of infections may be significantly higher due to limited testing and underreporting.

Severe flu cases have been observed in all age demographics. Data from hospitals reveal that more than half of patients aged between 2 and 34 who were hospitalized for severe acute respiratory infections tested positive for influenza. Symptoms of influenza typically emerge suddenly and can include fever, muscle aches, headaches, and later, a dry cough. In some instances, symptoms may be atypical or present without fever, making early detection challenging.

Vaccination remains a critical preventive measure, particularly for individuals at heightened risk of severe illness. These groups include people over 60, pregnant women, healthcare workers, residents of long-term care facilities, and those with chronic health conditions, including children. However, vaccination rates among children with pre-existing medical risks remain low, prompting health experts to encourage broader immunization coverage. Pediatricians emphasize that increasing vaccination uptake among children could play a pivotal role in curbing the annual spread of influenza.

During the 2024/2025 flu season, German hospitals treated approximately 135,000 influenza cases, of which 30,000 were children. While the elderly remain the population most vulnerable to life-threatening complications and fatalities, children also contribute significantly to community transmission. The death toll linked to influenza can vary widely between seasons, ranging from several hundred to over 25,000, as observed in previous years. So far this season, 225 deaths associated with influenza have been reported, with the vast majority occurring in individuals aged 60 and above.

Intensive care units (ICUs) across the country are currently managing the increased patient load without major supply shortages. Around one-third of ICUs have reported operating at limited capacity, which has resulted in the postponement of some planned procedures to prioritize urgent care needs. Despite the high occupancy, the situation remains manageable compared to previous years, when more intensive care units operated under restricted conditions during peak flu activity.

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge the public, particularly those in high-risk groups, to seek vaccination. The ongoing flu wave underlines the importance of preventive measures and timely medical intervention to mitigate the impact of seasonal influenza on public health.