Infants, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions are at particular risk. In our material, we examine the characteristic symptoms and the feasibility of vaccination at this stage.
RSV infections are currently spreading across Germany. This trend was identified through wastewater analysis for the presence of RS viruses. While the number of registered RSV cases remained stable in the most recent reporting period, a notable increase was observed during the first two weeks of January. Below are the essential facts regarding this virus.
Influenza Viruses Still Dominate Respiratory Illnesses
Overall, the general illness landscape continues to be dominated by influenza viruses. This was confirmed by the RKI report on acute respiratory infections (ARI) for the third calendar week of 2026.
The term ARI, as defined by the institute, covers acute respiratory tract infections that can be caused by various pathogens. These include influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, and RS viruses. Although the overall activity of acute respiratory diseases increased in the third calendar week, it remains at a relatively low level.
Rise in RSV Cases Since the New Year
The number of RSV cases reported to the RKI under the Protection Against Infection Act remained stable during the third reporting week following the spike in the first two weeks of the year.
However, the concentration of RS viruses in wastewater has been increasing continuously for several weeks. Wastewater analysis provides a clearer picture of how widespread RS viruses actually are and allows for an estimate of the dark figure—the number of undetected or unreported infections.
What is RSV?
The abbreviation RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. According to the Federal Ministry of Health, this is a globally common pathogen causing acute respiratory tract illnesses. RSV infections occur most frequently in autumn and winter. RKI data suggests that the RSV season in the Northern Hemisphere typically runs from early October to mid-May.
An “RSV wave” refers specifically to the period of elevated viral activity. In previous years, this wave has typically begun in December and lasted between three and four months.
What Symptoms Does an RSV Infection Cause?
According to the RKI, the illness usually begins with signs of an upper respiratory tract infection, such as a runny nose and cough, which can then progress to symptoms affecting the lower respiratory tract. In infants, RSV infection can manifest as bronchiolitis—the inflammation of the small branches of the lower airways.
Symptoms may include:
- Rapid or labored breathing
- Lethargy or exhaustion
- Refusal to drink or poor feeding
For individuals with underlying pathologies, there is an additional high risk of developing pneumonia.
How Dangerous is RSV?
The Federal Ministry of Health reports that while RSV can present as a mild respiratory infection, it can also lead to severe lower respiratory tract disease. The ministry emphasized: “Infants, particularly premature babies and children with specific underlying conditions, as well as adults aged 75 and older with certain pathologies, have an increased risk of a severe course of RSV infection.” While severity varies, the RKI does not rule out fatal outcomes.
Vaccination and Passive Immunization for Infants
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends a single RSV vaccination for people over the age of 75. Additionally, this applies to individuals aged 60 and older who have a severe underlying disease or live in nursing homes.
For newborns and infants, the committee recommends passive immunization with the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab. This is a one-time procedure, and the timing depends on the child’s birth date to ensure protection throughout the RSV season:
- Children born between April and September receive the antibody in the autumn before the season begins.
- Children born between October and March should be immunized as soon as possible after birth.
This protection generally prevents a severe course of infection during the first RSV season. While it does not rule out future reinfection, subsequent illnesses are usually milder because the airways are more developed by that stage.
Does it Still Make Sense to Get Vaccinated?
Ideally, the RSV vaccine should be administered before the season begins—between mid-October and mid-November—to allow time for protection to build. However, vaccination can still be advisable at this stage, as the virus season can last until May. For adults, it typically takes one to two weeks after the injection to develop effective protection.
Source: RKI
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