With the end of the Christmas vacations in Saxony, reports of respiratory infections are on the rise again. According to the first report from the State Investigation Institute (LUA) this year, rhino and influenza viruses are now the main cause. This indicates the start of the expected seasonal flu wave. While coronavirus infections dominated until the end of December 2024, the weekly number of influenza cases is now higher.
According to the LUA report, 343 influenza cases were reported in the first week of January, which corresponds to a "significant" increase of 73 percent compared to the previous week. Young children and primary school pupils are particularly affected, as well as adults. There was one further death.
In contrast, there were 259 registered coronavirus infections, mainly among older adults and senior citizens, with a downward trend. The number of reported respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, mainly in young children, is "still at a relatively low level" at 51.
