Infectious Disease · Public Health · General Practice · 2 h ago
RKI estimates 429,000 severe respiratory infection hospitalizations in Germany
The Robert Koch Institute estimates that about 429,000 people in Germany were hospitalized with severe acute respiratory infections during the 2025/26 winter season; approximately 22,700 died. Influenza was diagnosed in 24% of these cases, compared with 8% for RSV and 5% for COVID-19.
- Estimated 429,000 SARI hospitalizations in Germany
- About 22,700 deaths estimated during the season
- Influenza diagnosed in 24% of SARI hospitalizations
- RKI emphasizes vaccination and infection-prevention measures
The Robert Koch Institute’s 2025/26 seasonal report estimates the burden of acute respiratory infections in Germany using population-based figures. An estimated 429,000 cases of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) led to hospital treatment, with around 22,700 deaths. The report also estimates 180 million acute respiratory illnesses and 37 million related medical visits during the season, which was classified overall as moderate.
Among hospitalized SARI patients, approximately 105,000 (24%) had diagnosed influenza, 34,000 (8%) had RSV, and 22,000 (5%) had COVID-19. The figures underscore that substantial hospitalization and mortality burdens can occur even in a season assessed as moderate.
The RKI highlights vaccination against influenza, COVID-19, RSV and pneumococcal disease in line with Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommendations. It also advises ventilation and mask use when respiratory pathogens are circulating widely, and recommends that people with respiratory symptoms stay home for three to five days and until clearly improving. These are seasonal estimates; the source does not provide further methodological detail in the supplied text.
In practice
For clinicians in Germany, the RKI report documents a substantial estimated burden of severe respiratory infections in the 2025/26 season, including influenza, RSV and COVID-19 hospitalizations. It reiterates vaccination in line with STIKO recommendations, alongside ventilation, masks during high circulation, and staying home while symptomatic. These are public-health prevention messages rather than evidence of a new intervention or change in guidance; the supplied report summary does not describe methods or uncertainty around the estimates.
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Robert Koch-Institut: Zahl des Monats ↗This is an automated AI-condensed summary that has not yet been reviewed by an editor. Always consult the full item at the original source.