Number of colds and corona infections increases

After a few hot summer days in the last few weeks, some are already looking forward to autumn. Pumpkin soup, colorful leaves, cozy clothes. But there is one thing that no one is really looking forward to: with the colder season come colds.

RKI reports more colds and corona infections than usual in September

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) shows in the current weekly reportthat the number of acute respiratory diseases is currently higher than usual at this time of year. Acute respiratory diseases include runny nose, colds, corona infections and the flu. The RKI assumes that around four million people in Germany are currently suffering from a respiratory infection.

The high numbers are mainly due to rhinoviruses and the virus that causes corona infections: Sars-CoV-2. Flu infections are currently still limited, and an increase is not expected until winter. The RKI assumes that the number of corona infections will rise significantly by autumn.

Only a few patients have a severe course

Despite more illnesses with respiratory infections, the number of patients with severe courses in this area remains low. The number of intensive care beds occupied by Covid-19 patients also remains consistently low at around one percent. This is shown by the Infection radar.

Those diagnosed with Covid-19 disease are often elderly people.

Recommendations for protection against infection with colds or corona

To protect yourself and others from colds or corona infection, the RKI recommends the following:

Anyone who has a cold or fever should stay at home for three to five days and avoid contact with other people.
• If symptoms worsen, persist for a long time or you belong to a risk group, you should go to your family doctor.
• Vaccinations against Covid-19, influenza and pneumococcus should be up to date. The Stiko has made recommendations for this
• Indoors, you can protect yourself from infection by regularly ventilating or, especially when colds are circulating in the area, by wearing a mask.

• Judith Schneider Icon Check mark in circle Icon Plus in circle