Flu wave in Germany
Current respiratory-illness activity for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV in Germany — drawn directly from the Robert Koch Institute's weekly surveillance data.
Current situation: Influenza
In week 15 of 2026, activity of influenza (seasonal flu) in Germany is low. The trend — combining clinical surveillance and the wastewater signal — is falling. Over a four-week comparison, a clear decline is visible.
The classification is based on RKI GrippeWeb and the RKI ARE consultation incidence (Germany's national public-health institute). Seasonally, infection waves in Germany typically peak between January and March; activity is usually markedly lower during the summer half of the year. How severe a given season becomes depends on the circulating virus variant and the population's immune status, among other factors.
Data sources and methodology
The assessment of Germany's current infection picture combines three independent surveillance systems run by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany's national public-health agency. Together they deliver a robust view of disease burden that captures both mild illness in the general population and the load on primary care.
RKI GrippeWeb
GrippeWeb is a syndromic reporting system based on voluntary reports from the public. Participants anonymously report each week whether anyone in their household has a newly emerged respiratory illness. This captures milder courses that never trigger a doctor's visit.
ARE consultation incidence (COVID-ARE)
The consultation incidence tracks how many patients seek medical care for an acute respiratory infection. It is based on sentinel practices coordinated by the Working Group on Influenza. This indicator reflects the strain on the healthcare system.
AMELAG wastewater surveillance
Wastewater surveillance (the Abwassermonitoring für eine epidemiologische Lagebewertung programme) measures viral load in sewage plants. Because pathogens are often shed before people get tested or visit a doctor, AMELAG serves as an early indicator — independent of individual testing behaviour.
Qualitative classification
The “Low”, “Moderate” and “High” categories follow seasonal reference values and epidemiological thresholds used by the RKI. The historical variability of respiratory waves is accounted for. Data is refreshed weekly, as soon as the RKI publishes its weekly report — typically on Thursdays.
Frequently asked questions
When is flu season in Germany?
In Germany, the flu wave typically hits during the winter months. A pronounced rise usually begins in January and peaks in February or March. Duration and intensity vary considerably from year to year. Influenza viruses remain stable in cold temperatures and dry air, and people spend more time indoors in winter — ideal conditions for transmission.
How can I tell a real flu from a common cold?
True influenza usually differs from an ordinary cold in how abruptly it starts. Typical symptoms are high fever, a dry irritating cough, and pronounced body aches. A cold often creeps in with a runny nose, while flu can make people feel severely ill within hours. If the illness is severe or you belong to a risk group, a medical evaluation is advisable.
How is Germany's flu wave actually measured?
Surveillance in Germany is run by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the national public-health agency. It works on two tracks: sentinel doctors' practices record how many patients present with respiratory symptoms and submit samples for virological testing, while the GrippeWeb online portal collects data directly from the population. Together these streams capture both the pressure on primary care and illness that never reaches a doctor.
How do I protect myself against the flu?
Protection rests on several pillars. Germany's vaccination authority (STIKO) recommends an annual flu shot, especially for older adults, people with chronic conditions, pregnant women, and healthcare workers. Regular hand-washing, keeping distance from clearly ill people, and ventilating indoor spaces all reduce transmission risk.
How does this year's flu wave compare to previous years?
Every flu season is different. Differences come mainly from the circulating virus subtypes (for example influenza A or B) and from the population's level of immunity. Some years the wave arrives early and steeply; in others it is moderate and drawn-out. The surveillance systems signal early on whether activity is above or below the recent historical norm.
Want the actual numbers?
You'll find them in the app.
Here you only see the trend. In the app: exact incidence rates, “X out of 100 people infectious”, your personal risk based on age and pre-existing conditions, wastewater trends, 36 countries, home-screen widget.
