Flu cases up again in Saxony at the start of the year

In Saxony, the number of flu cases rose significantly again at the start of the year. In the first calendar week, there were 1544 cases of influenza - an increase of 26 percent compared to the previous week, according to the latest weekly report from the State Health and Veterinary Investigation Institute (LUA).

According to the report, all age groups are affected, with infections being diagnosed in young children and schoolchildren in particular, but many older adults are also affected. The highest number of cases was reported in Dresden (252) and the lowest in the district of North Saxony (41).

A total of 22 people have died from influenza

Since the start of the season on September 29, 22 people aged between 67 and 96 have died from influenza infections in Saxony. Twelve women and ten men were affected. Two women who died (aged 88 and 93) had been vaccinated against influenza during the current season.

Oberlausitz clinics working at full capacity

The Oberlausitz-Kliniken (OLK) are sounding the alarm in view of the large number of cases requiring inpatient treatment. Patients from the Bautzen site have already had to be temporarily treated at other OLK sites, as the bed capacity in Bautzen is heavily utilized.

The medical management is expressly asking the public for support to relieve the burden on the healthcare system in this tense situation. This includes, in particular, consistent compliance with hygiene measures such as regular hand washing and observing coughing and sneezing etiquette. In addition, relatives are asked to limit hospital visits to the bare minimum.