Peak of the flu epidemic in Saxony passed

The flu epidemic in Saxony appears to have peaked. The reported influenza case numbers last week were 27 percent lower than the previous week, according to the latest weekly report from the State Investigation Institute (LUA) in Chemnitz. However, the experts refer to the pending development after the Saxon winter vacations.

All age groups continue to be affected, with toddlers, primary school children and older adults particularly infected, according to the LUA. The health authorities reported the most cases in children's facilities, retirement homes and hospitals, it added. Since the start of the flu season at the end of September, 25,647 cases of influenza have been registered nationwide and 139 people have died from a confirmed case of influenza. The fatalities include a seriously ill three-year-old child and predominantly very elderly patients aged between 53 and 101. Six of the deceased had an up-to-date influenza vaccination.

Corona plays a minor role according to the report

According to the figures, infections with the RS virus (respiratory syncytial virus), which is particularly dangerous for infants and young children, continued to increase. According to the figures, the increase in the past week was 19 percent. As expected, infants were particularly affected, according to the experts. However, many older adults also fell ill. Children's facilities and hospitals were also frequently affected. Since the start of the flu season, five RSV-related deaths have been recorded in people aged between 81 and 95 years.

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is currently playing a rather minor role. According to the LUA, the number of infections in the past week fell by 34%. Most cases were registered in adults and senior citizens. However, the proportion of cases of Covid-19 in young children is increasing. Since the end of September, 11,051 coronavirus infections have been recorded in Saxony. 133 people have died from coronavirus disease. Those affected were on average 86 years old.