Increased Incidences of Respiratory Ailments Reported DuringInitial Half of the Year
Germany Sees a Drop in Sick Days for Mental Health and Musculoskeletal Disorders, but Respiratory Infections Remain Prevalent
According to a recent analysis by DAK-Gesundheit, Germany has seen a decrease in sick days for mental health issues and musculoskeletal disorders, with a 7-8% reduction compared to the previous year. However, respiratory infections continue to be the leading cause of absences, accounting for 22.4% of all sick days.
The analysis was based on data from 2.25 million insured employees. Despite the decrease in sick days for certain health issues, the overall absenteeism rate in the first six months was 5.4%, slightly lower than the previous year's rate of 5.7%. On average, 54 out of every 1,000 insured employees were absent each day between January and June.
The high absenteeism rate due to respiratory infections was particularly noticeable in the first half of the year. Two occupational groups were significantly affected, although specific details were not provided. Employees in elderly care and kindergartens, however, had more sick days than the average.
The cold wave, particularly in January and February, is believed to have contributed to the high number of respiratory infections. Seasonal peaks and the high circulation of respiratory viruses increase their impact. While the exact reasons for the increase in respiratory infections compared to the previous year were not detailed in the analysis, it is widely understood that these infections are highly contagious, prevalent, and can cause symptoms that interfere with work or school attendance.
In addition to respiratory infections, musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain also accounted for 17% of sick days. Mental health issues accounted for a similar proportion, with 17% of sick days attributed to these issues. The average duration of illness was 9.5 days, which was shorter than the first half of the previous year, with an average of 10 days.
Employees in IT professions had fewer sick days, with half as many as in elderly and healthcare. However, no specific information about the economy or the defense budget was provided in the analysis.
While the exact reasons for the high number of respiratory infections in Germany were not detailed in the DAK analysis, it can be inferred that common epidemiological reasons reflect the high prevalence and impact of these infections on health-related absences in Germany. For precise DAK commentary or statistics, obtaining their official report or press release would be necessary.
- The community policy on health-and-wellness should emphasize preventative measures for respiratory-conditions, particularly during seasons with high circulation of respiratory viruses, given their contagious nature and significant impact on employment policy.
- A comprehensive employment policy could address medical-conditions like respiratory-infections, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental health issues, aiming for a balanced workforce where employees in sectors with higher sick day rates, such as elderly care and kindergartens, are provided adequate support.
