Flu wave in Lower Saxony: Over 28,000 cases and 134 deaths!

Flu wave in Lower Saxony: Over 28,000 cases and 134 deaths!

The flu epidemic is spreading rapidly in Lower Saxony. The numbers are alarming: According to the Lower Saxony State Health Office (NLGA), a total of 28,660 people were infected with influenza from July 2024 to May 2025. This is more than twice as many as in the previous season, in which only 12,760 illnesses were registered. Children and older people are particularly affected, which makes the situation even more explosive.

The flu epidemic peaked in February 2025 with over 17,000 cases within a month. The increased number of deaths is tragic: In Lower Saxony, 134 people died due to the flu, while there were only 48 deaths in the previous year. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) recorded a total of 1,954 flu deaths nationwide by mid-May 2025.

The risk groups in focus

What is particularly striking is that more than a fifth of the sick children had to stay at home. But people over 90 are also severely affected, which worries epidemiologists. In terms of regional differences, it is noticeable that the Emsland and Harburg districts have the highest disease rates, while the Heidekreis has the lowest numbers. NLGA boss Fabian Feil makes it clear that this influenza season is particularly severe compared to previous years and the period before the pandemic.

The virus is usually transmitted through droplet infection, such as through sneezing or coughing, as well as through contact with contaminated surfaces. The symptoms are varied and range from a runny nose and fever to headaches and body aches. While a third of those affected can have a severe course, the other third only show mild symptoms or remain completely symptom-free Statista reported.

Vaccination and prevention

Although effective medications exist to relieve flu symptoms, the annual flu vaccination remains the best protection. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommend annual adjustment of the vaccine to the circulating virus strains. Vaccination is particularly recommended for older people, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses.

Unfortunately, the vaccination rate has stabilized in the lower middle range of OECD countries in recent years: only a third of people over 60 are vaccinated. Looking at the current figures, this could be because the flu epidemic is particularly severe this year. The NLGA would therefore like to inform the population about the importance of vaccination and hygiene measures in order to better contain the infectious disease. The influenza wave could last until the Easter holidays and it is to be hoped that the numbers will not rise further by then.

For further information and current updates, there are regular reports on the NDR website.