Friday, June 6, 2025

Flu Wave 2024/25 Overwhelms Clinics – Pneumococcal Infections Up by Over 25%

Spring is approaching, but Germany remains firmly in the grip of the 2024/25 flu wave. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), around 6.2 million people were affected by acute respiratory infections in calendar week 10 alone. In addition to flu viruses, pneumococci are also spreading significantly – with serious consequences. In the first weeks of 2025, RKI reported over 25% more pneumococcal cases than in the same period of 2024.

Pneumococci are the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia – every second bacterial pneumonia case is linked to them. Older adults and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or cardiovascular disease are particularly at risk.

A one-time vaccination can provide effective protection against pneumococcal infection. The German Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends it for everyone aged 60 and above, as well as adults over 18 with underlying health conditions. Still, vaccination rates remain low: only about one in four people in the recommended groups are actually vaccinated.

After a flu infection, the risk of a bacterial co-infection increases – pneumococci can cause severe illness, including meningitis or sepsis. Especially during this flu season, prevention is more important than ever.