Respiratory season 2026/27: where things stand and what facilities should prepare now

With calendar week 40, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany’s public health institute, opened the 2026/27 season for acute respiratory illnesses. Until spring, a weekly report is published every Thursday. Here are the current figures and what facilities can prepare now.

1The situation in mid-October

In its report for the week of 12 to 18 October, the RKI describes the number of acute respiratory illnesses in the population as moderate and stable. Doctor visits for respiratory infections are also at a moderate level. Severe cases in hospital are at a low level. In samples from medical practices, the RKI most often found these pathogens:

Rhinoviruses and enteroviruses

38% of samples

Parainfluenza viruses

10%

Influenza

4%

SARS-CoV-2

2%

Influenza and COVID-19 therefore still play a small role. However, the RKI sees signs that SARS-CoV-2 is circulating nationwide, and a slight rise in influenza in wastewater. In Germany, the flu wave usually only begins after the turn of the year. That leaves time to prepare.

2What the RKI advises on wearing masks

According to the RKI, anyone with acute respiratory symptoms should wear a mask to protect others. This applies above all when close contact with people at higher risk cannot be avoided. When many viruses are circulating, a correctly worn mask can offer additional protection indoors, especially for people in risk groups. Regular airing and hand hygiene go with it.

Fit is what matters: an FFP2 mask only filters reliably when it seals all the way round.

Putting on the mask and checking the fit in six steps

3Check vaccination offers for your team

Germany’s Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) revised its COVID-19 recommendation in summer 2026. It now recommends an annual booster at the start of the season for, among others, everyone aged 75 and over, residents of care homes, care staff in direct contact with them and medical staff with a higher risk of infection or contact with high-risk patients. STIKO continues to recommend the flu vaccination every autumn, among others from age 60 and for medical staff.

4What facilities should prepare now

• Check your mask stock: expiry date, dry storage, enough for several weeks
• Set rules: when staff and visitors wear a mask, for example with symptoms
• Keep masks within reach at reception, on wards and at entrances
• Plan vaccination appointments for staff with the company doctor
• Refresh airing and hand hygiene routines with the team

Sources: RKI, weekly ARE report week 42/2026 (as of 22.10.2026); RKI, masks for infection prevention (FAQ); STIKO recommendations 2026.