Wednesday, January 14
Hospitals are feeling the effect of a flu wave in Berlin with a steady increase of cases at Vivantes clinics since December.
According to spokeswoman Corinna Schwetasch, DRK clinics across three locations have counted 50 more flu cases this year than in the same period last year. However, she makes it clear that many of those patients are treated primarily for other ailments.
There are, however, isolated cases of sever flu in the intensive care unit, especially in people with pre-existing conditions. The number of reported cases is above the average of the past five years. Furthermore, the State Office for Health and Social Affairs claims that type A influenza virus has increased by 15 percent in the past three months in Berlin’s wastewater.
Vivantes press spokesman, Christoph Lang, has strongly recommended the flu vaccine as it prevents severe cases of flu in most cases. He stated, “We therefore strongly advise everyone, especially those over 60 and those who have been ill, to get vaccinated.” Since the flu season will last a few more weeks, it still makes sense to get one now.
The flu wave is also affecting children. Tobias Tenenbaum, the chief physician of the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at the Sana Klinikum Lichtenberg states, “We are filled to the last bed.” However, the health of all children treated for flu in the hospital has improved.
In positive news, hardly any Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases have been reported so far. The Permanent Vaccination Commission has been recommending a vaccine for newborns and infants against RSV since summer 2024, which is obviously having an effect.
