Respiratory infections in MV: increase is causing concern!

Respiratory infections in MV: increase is causing concern!

The number of respiratory infections has risen sharply in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (MV). As the Barmer health insurance company reports, there were 202 sick notes due to respiratory infections per 10,000 insured employees in the last week of September. This is more than twice as many as in August, when only 96 sick notes were recorded. Sore throats, throat infections and tonsillitis, which are spreading among the population, are particularly affected.

Despite this increase, MV lags behind in a nationwide comparison in terms of sick leave. In Schleswig-Holstein, for example, there are 248 sick notes per 10,000 employees and in Hesse 258. Nevertheless, the State Office for Health and Social Affairs shows that the number of doctor visits for acute respiratory diseases in MV is below the previous year's figures. Young children are particularly affected by these diseases, which puts parents on alert.

Flu wave reaches MV

While there are currently no signs of a widespread outbreak of flu, the numbers have increased noticeably in recent weeks. In the week from October 20th to 26th, 11 flu cases and 137 corona infections were registered. There are now almost 13,400 confirmed influenza cases for the entire year of 2025, a drastic increase compared to the 6,600 cases in 2024 and the 1,200 cases in 2023. This development gives health authorities pause, as influenza can be severe and last for several weeks.

According to the weekly report from the State Office for Health and Social Affairs, many children and adults in MV were already struggling with cold symptoms at the beginning of the year. In particular, 40 percent of the cases in MV were attributed to influenza viruses, especially type A. This makes it important to take the flu vaccination seriously, especially for risk groups such as older people, chronically ill people and pregnant women. The state manager of Barmer recommends timely vaccination and a lifestyle to strengthen the immune system.

The situation of daycare children

Particular attention should be paid to the children in daycare centers. According to current data from 65 daycare centers, almost one in ten daycare children were absent in the week before the winter holidays due to a respiratory illness. The youngest children aged 0 to 4 are particularly badly affected. The Ludwigslust-Parchim district has the highest rates of illness among children, while Rostock also has a high number of sick people.

With the increase in respiratory illnesses and the approach of winter, people in MV must prepare for a potentially challenging flu season. Barmer has also set up a free influenza hotline, available on 0800 8484111, to provide citizens with comprehensive information and advice.