Increase in Flu Cases Reported in Brandenburg - Increased incidents of flu reported in Brandenburg
Brandenburg Experiences High Number of Flu Cases in 2024-2025 Season
According to Brandenburg's State Health Ministry, the last flu season (2024-2025) witnessed a marked increase in reported influenza cases compared to the previous year. A total of 18,717 cases were confirmed between October 2024 and May 2025, a significant rise from the 7,584 cases reported in the 2023-2024 season.
Britta Müller, Brandenburg's independent Health Minister, attributed the spike in cases to genetic changes in the flu viruses. Müller urged the public to avail themselves of the offered flu vaccinations, stating, "Influenza is not a harmless disease." The ideal time for the vaccination is during the months of October and November.
Data from the Robert Koch Institute in Germany, while not specific to Brandenburg, indicated that influenza activity was relatively high during the fall season of the 2024-2025 season, but the number of reported cases had stabilized by year-end[2]. Other factors contributing to an increase in flu cases, such as the emergence of new viral strains, changes in population immunity, and variations in vaccination coverage or effectiveness, are not explicitly stated for this particular season[1].
The vaccination rate among residents aged 60 and above in Brandenburg was 52.2 percent in the 2023-2024 season, but current figures for the 2024-2025 season were not yet available.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Factors that affect flu spread, severity, and seasonality. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/oding-illness.htm
[2] Robert Koch Institute. (n.d.). Influenza activity in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.rki.de/EN/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/ Joseph_Rikinath4/23_influenzazahlen.html
- In light of the high number of flu cases reported in the recent season, the community policy should emphasize the importance of adhering to the employment policy pertaining to sick leave, to minimize the spread of the virus in the workplace.
- A thorough employment policy should address the accommodations necessary for employees with medical conditions, such as chronic diseases, especially during periods of high influenza activity, to ensure their health and wellness during their employment.
- To maintain the employees' overall health and wellness, the employment policy can advocate for initiatives such as fitness and exercise programs, workplace wellness activities, and nutritional guidance, alongside regular flu vaccination availability.
