As of: November 29, 2023 1:40 p.m
Sniffling, runny nose, sneezing and coughing – cold season is in full swing. In fact, infections that cause respiratory diseases have been steadily increasing in Hamburg since July.
Since the summer there has been a steady increase in corona infections – this is evident from the current infection information sheet from the Institute for Hygiene and Environment. With more than 19,000 cases registered this year, Covid remains the leader in reportable infections.
111 pneumonia caused by pneumococci
Last year, however, there were more than 60,000 cases by mid-November. And: The Omicron variant causes relatively fewer severe respiratory diseases than last fall. But other viruses are also on the rise: 111 pneumococcal pneumonia cases have already been reported this year – almost three times as many as in the same period last year.
Health authorities recommend flu vaccination
There are now almost 2,000 confirmed flu cases in Hamburg, significantly more than last year. Six people have already died of flu in the city since the beginning of October. All those affected were over 60 years old. Because flu infections can be really dangerous for older people and people with previous illnesses, the health authorities recommend that they get vaccinated.
Further information
