Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Oct 20, 2025 3 hours, 15 minutes ago
Medical News: Rising Cases Across the Country
Germany is witnessing a renewed rise in COVID-19 infections as the colder season sets in. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), over 6,440 new cases were recorded between October 6 and 12, compared to around 3,850 the previous week. Though these numbers are lower than the same period last year, health experts caution that the increase coincides with the emergence of new viral strains and a spike in respiratory illnesses across the country. This
Medical News report highlights that while the current infection rate is not alarming, vulnerable groups are urged to get revaccinated to prevent severe illness.
Germany Sees New COVID-19 Wave as XFG Sub-lineages Spread
The Research Institutions Behind the Data
The Robert Koch Institute, Germany’s leading public health authority, conducted the analysis, with supporting data from its GrippeWeb project and regional hospitals. Together, they monitor infection trends, respiratory virus prevalence, and hospitalization patterns to help guide national health responses.
Widespread Respiratory Infections
The RKI estimates that around 7.5 million people in Germany suffered from acute respiratory infections during the 40th week of 2025. This represents roughly 8,900 illnesses per 100,000 residents—a sign that common cold viruses, influenza, and COVID-19 are now co-circulating at high levels. While influenza-like illnesses remain steady, COVID-19 accounts for about 400 cases per 100,000 residents.
Three Major Pathogens Behind the Surge
The current spike in respiratory diseases is being driven by three primary pathogens: rhinoviruses, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza. Rhinoviruses are responsible for about 35 percent of all infections and are typically linked to mild cold symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 causes roughly 18 percent of respiratory illnesses, a lower figure compared to last year. Meanwhile, influenza contributes to around nine percent of reported infections, with experts predicting that flu numbers will rise as winter progresses.
Dominant Strain—The XFG Variants
The dominant COVID-19 strain in Germany is the Omicron sub-lineage XFG, nicknamed “Stratus.” It accounts for approximately 80 to 82 percent of detected cases. Dubbed the “Frankenstein variant” in the media due to its genetic mix of mutations, Stratus spreads easily through the upper respiratory tract but is not believed to cause more severe disease. Experts emphasize that vaccination remains the best defense, especially for seniors and those with preexisting conditions.
Symptoms and Testing Guidance
With overlapping symptoms—fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue—it can be difficult for people to tell whether they have a cold, flu, or COVID-19. Generally, COVID-19 more often presents with fever, influenza tends to start suddenly with intense symptoms, and RSV can cause prolonged coughing. Medical authorities reco
mmend that high-risk individuals take PCR tests for accurate diagnosis, as antigen tests may miss low viral loads. If symptoms persist or worsen, retesting after two days is advised.
Regional and Age Differences in Doctor Visits
The burden on healthcare providers varies widely across Germany. Brandenburg reported the highest rate of doctor consultations, with about 2,007 visits per 100,000 residents, while Hamburg had only 571. Young children aged 0 to 4 are most affected, with an alarming 3,303 doctor visits per 100,000 in this group. Hospitalizations are also increasing among both the elderly and young children—especially those over 80 years old, where 33 out of every 100,000 have required hospital care.
Seasonal Patterns Continue to Shift
Experts note that the current cold season began amid rising COVID-19 cases and overlapping flu and RSV waves. Although overall coronavirus activity has declined compared to last year, flu outbreaks have doubled, and RSV infections are slightly higher. Authorities continue to monitor viral behavior closely to prepare for potential future waves and to ensure healthcare systems can manage patient loads effectively.
References:
https://www.rki.de/DE/Aktuelles/Publikationen/Epidemiologisches-Bulletin/2025/41_25.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=4
https://www.rki.de/DE/Themen/Forschung-und-Forschungsdaten/Sentinels-Surveillance-Panel/GrippeWeb/Aktueller-Wochenbericht/Wochenbericht_aktuell.
https://www.rki.de/DE/Themen/Infektionskrankheiten/Akute-respiratorische-Erkrankungen/ARE-Bericht/are-bericht-node.html
https://www.rki.de/DE/Themen/Infektionskrankheiten/Akute-respiratorische-Erkrankungen/ARE-Bericht/are-bericht-node.html
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