Respiratory Illnesses Surge in saxony as Winter Takes Hold
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Saxony is currently experiencing a rise in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and acute respiratory diseases, according to the latest data from the Robert koch Institute (RKI) as of December 2nd, 2025. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation as the cold season progresses, urging residents to take preventative measures.
COVID-19 Remains Prevalent
COVID-19, triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, continues to be a meaningful contributor to respiratory illness in the region. In the last week, Saxony reported 802 new coronavirus cases. The 7-day incidence across all age groups currently stands at 19.6 per 100,000 inhabitants. Notably, the highest incidence rate – 43.5 – is observed among individuals over the age of 80.
Since the start of the pandemic, a total of 2,023,782 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported in Saxony.A breakdown of cases by age group reveals the following 7-day incidence rates:
- 00-04 years: 35.16
- 05-14 years: 23.48
- 15-34 years: 45.01
- 35-59 years: 98.07
- 60-79 years: 31.48
- 80+ years: 43.51
- 00+ years: 19.68
Flu Cases on the Rise
The “real” flu, or influenza, is also circulating in Saxony. In week 47, 153 new flu cases were registered, resulting in a flu incidence of 3.77. Age-specific influenza incidence rates are as follows:
- 00-14 years: 12.31
- 15-59 years: 2.45
- 60+ years: 2.44
- 00+ years: 3.77
Acute Respiratory Diseases and Flu-Like Illnesses
Beyond COVID-19 and influenza, acute respiratory diseases (ARE) and flu-like illnesses (ILI) are being closely monitored. According to the RKI, ARE encompass any new respiratory illness presenting with a sore throat, cough, or fever. ILI is a specific form of ARE characterized by a cough or sore throat and fever.
For the 47th calendar week, the Greater East Region – which includes Saxony – reported an estimated 8,000 cases of acute respiratory diseases per 100,000 inhabitants, an increase from 6,000 the previous week. While this is below the national average of 8,400, it signals a growing trend. Similarly,flu-like illnesses are estimated at 1,100 per 100,000 inhabitants,up from 800 the previous week,but still below the national average of 1,500.
These incidence rates are based on self-reported data from 1,772 participants in the Eastern region and 9,469 participants nationwide through the RKI’s GrippeWeb online portal.It’s significant to note that these are self-reports and not confirmed by laboratory testing.
Pro tip: Consider getting your flu and COVID-19 boosters to protect yourself and others this winter.
RSV Cases Remain Low
In contrast to other respiratory illnesses, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is currently not widespread in Saxony. There were no new RSV cases reported in the 48th calendar week, with the current incidence at 0 laboratory-confirmed cases per 100,000 inhabitants. However, the region experienced a peak in RSV cases during calendar week 11/2025, with 665 new cases and an incidence rate of 16.27 per 100,000 inhabitants.
This report, based on current data from the robert Koch Institute, is updated daily. Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact [email protected].
