Flu infection numbers have risen sharply since the COVID-19 pandemic - Germany's flu surge nearly doubles pre-pandemic infection rates in 2025

Flu cases have surged in parts of Germany during the 2024/2025 winter. Hesse recorded nearly 21,000 infections, almost double the figures from before the COVID-19 pandemic. Bremen also saw a sharp increase, with cases jumping by 77 in a single week in early February 2025.

In Hesse, flu infections have climbed steadily since the pandemic. The region reported around 10,800 cases in the winter of 2019/2020. By the 2024/2025 season, that number had risen to nearly 21,000.

Bremen experienced a similar spike. In calendar week 5 of 2025, the city recorded 162 flu cases—77 more than the previous week. Nationally, infections reached about 9,200 by week 13 of the same year. Health authorities continue to recommend the flu vaccine for vulnerable groups. This includes people aged 60 and over, pregnant women from their second trimester, and those with chronic illnesses.

The rise in flu cases highlights the importance of vaccination for at-risk groups. Hesse's numbers have nearly doubled since 2019/2020, while Bremen saw a significant weekly increase in early 2025. Officials urge eligible individuals to get vaccinated to reduce infection risks.