Flu epidemic in Saxony: infection figures at a high level

The wave of colds continues to gather pace in Saxony. The number of respiratory infections is at a high level, according to the latest report from the State Investigation Institute (LUA). Influenza viruses in particular are currently circulating strongly.

Almost 100 people have died from influenza since the fall

All age groups continue to be affected, but young children and primary school pupils as well as older adults have recently been infected particularly often. According to reports from health authorities, infections are particularly common in retirement homes, hospitals and children's facilities. From January 26 to February 1, around 3,400 new cases of influenza were reported in Saxony. This was around five percent more than in the previous week. Since the start of the season at the end of September, 95 people between the ages of 58 and 100 have died from influenza.

RSV cases continue to rise sharply

According to the LUA, the increase in RSV infections has continued. The epidemiologists reported around 450 new cases - an increase of 37 percent compared to the previous week. As expected, it is mainly young children who continue to be infected. However, many cases have also recently been diagnosed in older adults. The first RSV death of the season was an 81-year-old who was also infected with pneumococcus.

Corona at a significantly lower level

With around 250 new cases, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is at a significantly lower level than influenza and RSV. Most cases are consistently registered in the adult and senior age groups. Since the start of the coronavirus wave in the fall, 113 Covid-19 deaths have been recorded. This affected people aged between 53 and 99 years.