Respiratory Health in Schleswig-Holstein: A Snapshot of RSV,Flu,and COVID-19 Trends in January 2025
As winter tightens its grip,the people of Schleswig-Holstein are grappling with a surge in respiratory illnesses. From the common cold to more severe infections like flu, RSV, and COVID-19, the region is witnessing a diverse range of health challenges. The latest data from the Robert Koch institute (RKI) provides a detailed look at how these diseases are spreading and which age groups are most affected.
COVID-19 in Schleswig-Holstein: A Persistent Threat
Table of Contents
Despite the pandemic officially ending, COVID-19 remains a significant concern. The virus, caused by SARS-CoV-2, continues to circulate, with symptoms ranging from fever and cough to severe respiratory distress. Last week, Schleswig-holstein reported 100 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases since the pandemic began to 1,203,187.
The 7-day incidence of COVID-19 in the region currently stands at 3.4 per 100,000 inhabitants, as of January 18, 2025. However, the burden is not evenly distributed across age groups. The over-80 demographic is the most vulnerable, with a 7-day incidence of 14.2.
| Age Group | 7-Day Incidence | New Cases (Last 7 days) | Total COVID-19 Cases in SH |
|—————|———————|—————————–|——————————–|
| 00-04 | 3.1 | 4 | 29,601 |
| 05-14 | 0.4 | 1 | 133,849 |
| 15-34 | 1.1 | 7 | 349,176 |
| 35-59 | 1.6 | 16 | 475,661 |
| 60-79 | 5.7 | 39 | 156,110 |
| 80+ | 14.2 | 33 | 57,790 |
Flu and RSV: Other Respiratory Threats
While COVID-19 dominates headlines, flu and RSV are also contributing to the region’s health challenges. The flu, caused by the influenza virus, often leads to severe symptoms, especially in older adults and those with underlying health conditions. RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is notably hazardous for infants and young children, causing bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
The RKI’s regional data highlights the prevalence of these diseases, though specific figures for flu and RSV in schleswig-Holstein are not detailed in the latest report. However, the trends suggest that these infections are on the rise, mirroring patterns seen in previous winters.
Protecting Public Health
As respiratory illnesses continue to spread, public health officials emphasize the importance of preventive measures. Vaccination remains the most effective tool against flu and COVID-19, while good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and wearing masks in crowded spaces, can help curb the transmission of RSV and other infections.
For the latest updates on respiratory diseases in Schleswig-Holstein, visit the Robert Koch Institute’s official website. Stay informed, stay protected, and help keep your community healthy this winter.
What steps are you taking to protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illnesses this season? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Flu in Schleswig-Holstein: 256 New Influenza Cases Reported
The “real” flu, caused by the influenza virus,is making its presence felt in Schleswig-holstein. Known for its sudden onset of high fever, body aches, and respiratory symptoms, the flu has seen a significant uptick in cases. In the second week of 2025, 256 new cases were reported, marking a flu incidence of 8.7 per 100,000 inhabitants. This rise in infections has put health authorities on alert, especially as the region grapples with other respiratory illnesses.
| Age Group | New Flu Cases Last Week | Influenza Incidence in SH |
|---|---|---|
| 00-14 | 29 | 7.25 |
| 15-59 | 120 | 7.34 |
| 60+ | 107 | 11.82 |
| 00+ | 256 | 8.7 |
The elderly population, aged 60 and above, remains the most vulnerable group, with an incidence rate of 11.82. This is significantly higher than the overall average,highlighting the need for targeted preventive measures. For more insights into the current health landscape, including the interplay between Corona,flu,and RSV,click hear.
Acute Respiratory Illnesses on the Rise in Northern Germany
Beyond the flu, the region is also witnessing a surge in acute respiratory diseases (ARE) and flu-like illnesses (ILI). According to the Robert Koch Institute, ARE encompasses any new respiratory illness accompanied by cough, sore throat, or fever. ILI, a subset of ARE, specifically includes fever alongside respiratory symptoms.
In the second calendar week of 2025, the greater North (West) region, which includes Schleswig-Holstein, reported an estimated incidence of 5,900 respiratory diseases per 100,000 inhabitants. This marks an increase from the previous week’s 5,000 and surpasses the national average of 5,600. Similarly, flu-like illnesses rose to 1,300 per 100,000 inhabitants, up from 1,200 the week before and above the national average of 1,200.
| KW 02/2025 | Region Norden (West) | Germany as a whole |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Diseases per 100,000 inhabitants | 5,900 (previous week: 5,000) | 5,600 |
| Flu-like Illnesses per 100,000 inhabitants | 1,300 (previous week: 1,200) | 1,200 |
The data underscores the growing burden of respiratory illnesses in the region.Health experts are urging the public to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and consider vaccination to curb the spread of these infections. For more detailed updates on the influenza activity in Germany, visit the RKI’s official portal.
As the flu season progresses, the focus remains on protecting vulnerable populations and mitigating the impact of these illnesses on healthcare systems. Stay informed, stay safe, and take proactive steps to safeguard your health.
No New RSV Cases Reported in Schleswig-Holstein: A look at the Latest Data
In a recent update from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), it was revealed that Schleswig-Holstein recorded no new cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in the 3rd calendar week of 2025. This marks a significant drop from the previous week, where 28 new RSV cases were reported, translating to an incidence rate of 0.95 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
RSV, a global pathogen known for causing respiratory illnesses, can affect individuals of all ages but is particularly severe in infants, young children, and older adults. The absence of new cases in Schleswig-Holstein is a positive development, especially considering the region’s recent spike in infections.
RSV Trends in Schleswig-Holstein: A Weekly Breakdown
The following table summarizes the RSV incidence in Schleswig-Holstein over the past few weeks:
| Calendar Week | new RSV Cases | RSV Incidence in SH |
|—————|—————|———————|
| 03/2025 | 0 | 0 |
| 02/2025 | 28 | 0.95 |
| 01/2025 | 17 | 0.58 |
| 52/2024 | 8 | 0.27 |
| 51/2024 | 11 | 0.37 |
As the data shows, the highest RSV incidence this year occurred in calendar week 02/2025, with 28 new cases reported. This spike underscores the unpredictable nature of the virus and the importance of continued monitoring.
Nationwide Health Reporting Through GrippeWeb
The data used in this report is sourced from GrippeWeb, an RKI Online Portal where volunteers regularly provide information about their health status. In calendar week 02/2025, a total of 1,713 participants from the north (West) region and 9,187 individuals nationwide submitted their reports. It’s significant to note that these figures are based on self-reports and not laboratory-confirmed findings.
Stay informed with News.de
For the latest updates on health trends and other breaking news, follow News.de on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter (X), Pinterest, and YouTube. These platforms offer a direct line to the editorial team, ensuring you stay informed with hot news and current videos.
If you have any comments or questions about this report, feel free to reach out to the editorial team at notice@news.de.
—
This report was created based on current data from the robert Koch Institute (RKI) and is updated daily in a data-driven manner.
The article provides an in-depth overview of the current respiratory illness landscape in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, highlighting the rise in flu (influenza), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other acute respiratory illnesses (ARE). Here’s a summary of the key points:
Key Highlights:
- Flu (Influenza):
– 256 new flu cases were reported in the second week of 2025, with an incidence rate of 8.7 per 100,000 inhabitants.
– The elderly (60+ age group) are the most vulnerable, with an incidence rate of 11.82.
– The flu is characterized by sudden high fever, body aches, and respiratory symptoms.
- RSV and Other Respiratory Illnesses:
– RSV is particularly dangerous for infants and young children, causing severe respiratory issues like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
– Acute Respiratory Illnesses (ARE) and flu-like illnesses (ILI) are on the rise, with 5,900 and 1,300 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively, in the northern region of Germany.
- Regional Trends:
– The greater North (West) region, wich includes Schleswig-Holstein, is experiencing higher respiratory illness rates than the national average.
– Health authorities are alert due to the increasing burden of respiratory illnesses, exacerbated by the winter season.
Preventive Measures:
- Vaccination: The most effective tool against flu and COVID-19.
- Hygiene Practices: Regular handwashing, wearing masks in crowded spaces, and staying home when sick can help curb the spread of RSV and other infections.
- Stay Informed: Monitoring updates from trusted sources like the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) is crucial.
Tactical Steps to Take:
- Get Vaccinated: Ensure you and your loved ones are vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid close contact with sick individuals.
- Protect Vulnerable Groups: Pay special attention to infants, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.
- Stay Informed: regularly check the RKI’s official website for updates on respiratory illnesses in your region.
Call to action:
What steps are you taking to protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illnesses this season? Share your strategies and experiences in the comments below.
For more information, visit the robert Koch institute’s official website and stay updated on the latest health guidelines.
—
Stay vigilant,practice preventive measures,and help keep your community healthy this winter.
