Frankfurt / Main (dpa / lhe) – In Hesse, the number of reported flu cases is increasing – earlier than in previous years. According to data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), 522 cases of influenza were reported across Hesse last week. In the previous week there were 309 cases. This magnitude is quite normal for the start of a flu wave, said a spokeswoman for the RKI. Compared to other years, however, the timing is more unusual, since the seasonal flu wave usually begins after the turn of the year.
In the past two winters, the corona measures with masks and distance have also slowed down the flu. “After two and a half flu waves were missing, the virus can now spread more easily again due to the low immunity,” said the spokeswoman. The colder weather is also increasingly pulling people indoors at the moment, where the dry heated air and close gatherings could also lead to the virus spreading more quickly.
With the current numbers, however, it should also be noted that the RKI is currently assuming increased testing. “The willingness to test is higher because it is recommended in the case of respiratory diseases to test not only for Covid-19 but also for influenza,” said the RKI spokeswoman.