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Flu wave 2024: Dramatic increase in hospital cases in northern Germany!
Northern Germany will see a worrying increase in flu cases in 2024, especially among older people and children.
Flu wave 2024: Dramatic increase in hospital cases in northern Germany!
There is currently a tense situation in northern Germany when it comes to seasonal flu. In the past few months, especially during the 2024 flu season, a noticeable number of people in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein have been hospitalized due to influenza illness. Radio Hamburg reports alarming figures published by the Northern Statistics Office.
In 2024, a total of 1,393 patients were admitted to full inpatient care due to influenza in Schleswig-Holstein. This represents an impressive 144 percent increase compared to the previous year, when only 571 cases were recorded. Older people are particularly affected: 576 of the hospitalized patients were 65 years of age or older. Children are also at great risk, as the 246 affected small children under the age of five show. Tragically, around 60 sufferers die in this context, the majority of whom are over 64 years old.
Situation in Hamburg
The numbers have increased similarly in Hamburg, where 909 people had to go to hospital due to flu. This marks a 125 percent increase compared to 2023, when 404 cases were reported. Here, 367 affected people were over 65 years old and 210 were children five years old or younger. There were also tragic losses in Hamburg - 30 of the 42 patients who died were seniors.
The flu is particularly dangerous for the two groups mentioned: older people and small children. This high rate of illness leads not only to numerous doctor visits, but also to massively increased hospital admissions and a worrying number of deaths. Loud Nali vaccination The flu season is active between the 40th calendar week (beginning of October) and the 20th calendar week (mid-May). A proportion of patients choose not to seek medical attention, further understating the true burden of the disease.
The flu at a glance
The winter months are traditionally the time when the flu epidemic hits the country. While there are countless reports of colds among the population, the number of unreported cases of flu often goes undetected. The fact is: Direct detection of influenza must be reported, but this does not mean that all illnesses are recorded. Many people prefer to treat the symptoms themselves and therefore do not consult a doctor, which is a clear under-reporting of actual cases.
The situation also poses a challenge for the healthcare system, which is already heavily stretched. The AG Influenza publishes weekly updates on influenza activity and other acute respiratory diseases to keep the population informed.
Given these worrying figures, it is important to be aware of the risks and, if necessary, consider preventive measures such as vaccinations to protect yourself and others. Because the flu is not just a nuisance, it can pose a serious threat to many.