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COVID-19, influenza & co: acute respiratory infections in Germany

Left picture: Elderly couple is sitting sick on the couch and looking at a clinical thermometer. Right picture: Woman puts a hand on the forehead of a sick child. Source: © simona-adobe.stock and omsickova-adobe.stock

As it is common in autumn and winter, acute respiratory infections currently occur more frequently in Germany. SARS-CoV-2 and various other respiratory viruses continue to circulate in the population. Moreover, the flu wave started at the end of October – much earlier than in pre-pandemic years.


Respiratory viruses spread wherever people gather. To reduce transmission, the RKI continues to recommend observing hygiene rules, wearing masks when meeting indoors, airing regularly and following the recommendations of the STIKO regarding vaccination against COVID-19, influenza and pneumococcal disease. Anyone with symptoms of an acute respiratory infection should stay at home until the symptoms subside and, if necessary, consult a doctor.

Date: 02.02.2023

Information on acute respiratory infections in English:

All RKI recommendations on acute respiratory infections in German:

Topics

What we do

What we do

The Robert Koch Institute is the public health institute in Germany. Around 1,500 people including 700 scientists work here. Learn more about the tasks and projects of the institute’s departments and units.

RKI informative film

RKI informative film

Robert Koch – who was he and what does the Robert Koch Institute do today? The RKI informative film provides and overview over the institute in two and a half minutes – in German and English.

International Activities

International Activities

The Robert Koch Institute is a global health hub. The institute cooperates closely with partner countries and institution from all over the world in order to investigate pathogens, tackle outbreaks, provide reliable diagnostics, train staff and more.

Museum at RKI

Museum at RKI

On 180 m², the exhibition shows objects of Robert Koch's life and work and presents today's research at the institute. The Mausoleum containing Robert Koch's ashes can also be visited. The Museum also offers projects and exhibitions online.

Health reporting

Health reporting

Robert Koch Institute's federal health reporting continuously informs about the health status of people in Germany - in various reports as well as in the Journal of Public Health (available also in English).

German Centre for Cancer Registry Data

German Centre for Cancer Registry Data

The German Centre for Cancer Registry Data at RKI combines, checks and analyses data from the population-based cancer registries of the German federal states.