Colds, Flu, and COVID-19: How Sick Is Germany Currently?

Respiratory infection rates in Germany, including COVID-19, influenza, and common colds, remain at seasonally low levels as of June 13, 2026, according to reporting from RND.de and data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). While influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have largely receded following the winter peak, SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate at endemic levels across the country.

The RKI monitors these trends through the Areoboros surveillance system, which tracks respiratory pathogens in a representative sample of the population. This system allows health officials to distinguish between different viral strains that present with similar symptoms, such as coughs and fever.

How are current infection rates trending?

Infection levels for most respiratory viruses are significantly lower on June 13, 2026, than they were during the January 2026 peak. According to RND.de, the prevalence of the seasonal flu has dropped to near-zero levels, a pattern that aligns with historical German health data where influenza typically vanishes by late spring.

Common cold viruses, including rhinoviruses and coronaviruses other than SARS-CoV-2, continue to circulate. These infections are reported as stable, though they do not place the same level of strain on the healthcare system as the more severe winter pathogens.

What is the current state of COVID-19 in Germany?

SARS-CoV-2 remains the most persistent of the monitored respiratory pathogens. RND.de reports that while the virus no longer causes the massive surges seen in early pandemic years, it maintains a baseline presence in the population. This endemic state is characterized by smaller, sporadic waves of infection throughout the year.

The RKI notes that the current prevalence of COVID-19 is driven by the emergence of new Omicron subvariants. These variants often exhibit increased transmissibility, which can lead to localized increases in cases even during the summer months.

Why do respiratory illnesses persist in summer?

Health officials identify several factors that allow respiratory viruses to circulate during June. According to RKI guidance, the use of air conditioning in offices and public spaces can facilitate the spread of aerosols by recirculating air in enclosed environments.

Increased international travel during the summer season also contributes to the introduction of new viral strains into Germany. This creates a different transmission dynamic than the winter season, which is primarily driven by indoor crowding and lower humidity levels that stabilize viral particles in the air.

The impact of these summer infections differs from winter surges. Data suggests that hospitalizations for respiratory illnesses in June are lower than in December, partly due to the absence of influenza and the higher overall immunity levels in the population from previous vaccinations and infections.

How does current data compare to previous years?

The current epidemiological situation shows a marked difference from the 2020-2022 period. During the height of the pandemic, June figures often fluctuated based on lockdown measures and vaccine rollouts. By June 13, 2026, the pattern has shifted toward a predictable seasonal baseline.

Compared to June 2025, the current infection rates are reported as stable, with no significant increase in severe cases. This suggests that the current dominant variants of SARS-CoV-2 are not causing higher rates of severe disease compared to the previous year’s summer strains.

What are the current public health recommendations?

The RKI continues to recommend targeted vaccinations for high-risk groups, including the elderly and individuals with underlying health conditions. While the primary influenza vaccination campaign occurs in autumn, the RKI emphasizes that maintaining up-to-date COVID-19 boosters remains a primary tool for preventing severe illness.

Basic hygiene measures, such as hand washing and staying home when symptomatic, remain the standard advice for managing the spread of common colds and other mild respiratory infections during the summer.

Medical professionals cautioned that the current low levels of illness should not lead to a total disregard for respiratory health. The RKI maintains its surveillance because the transition from endemic stability to a new wave can occur rapidly if a variant emerges that evades existing population immunity.