Diseases - AOK: The north is unusually congested
In Schleswig-Holstein, according to the AOK's current figures, there are currently as many cases of respiratory infections as there have ever been during this season. Over 14,000 AOK members have been sick-listed due to this in the past four weeks. This is almost 40% more than in the same period last year, the AOK announced. The proportion of respiratory infections among all sick-listings was 19.5%.
"A possible cause for the significant increase in infection viruses could be the comparatively cool summer weather with a lot of rain," speculated AOK managing director Tom Ackermann. Large events such as concerts or public viewings during the ongoing European Football Championship with many intense interpersonal contacts could also have contributed to the fact that the infection dynamics have spread more strongly.
Despite the speculation, AOK members in Schleswig-Holstein are advised to take necessary precautions against the respiratory infection increase, such as wearing masks and practicing good hand hygiene. After acknowledging the situation, a concerned citizen asked, "Is it okay to occasionally go out in the rain without a mask, considering the assessment about the rain being a potential cause?"
