Multiple absences reported due to cold and flu illnesses - Regular Occurrence of Unwell Days Away from Work due to Colds and Flu
In the recent months, there has been a notable increase in cold and flu-related sick days in Saxony-Anhalt, according to data from German health insurers such as DAK-Gesundheit[3]. This surge in respiratory infections, observed across Germany in the first half of 2025, is believed to be linked to several factors.
Factors contributing to this rise include the relaxation of pandemic-related restrictions earlier in 2025, leading to increased transmission of common cold and flu viruses. Additionally, possibly lower immunity in the population due to reduced exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic years and seasonal factors typical of the region fostering viral spread may have played a role[1].
Regarding duration and impact, sick leaves related to colds and flu have extended more than usual, reflecting more severe or prolonged episodes for some individuals, which contributes to the higher overall number of sick days reported[3].
Unfortunately, no direct, detailed report from DAK-Gesundheit specifically breaking down Saxony-Anhalt's data for 2025 in terms of precise duration or targeted analysis was found in the search results. However, DAK-Gesundheit traditionally publishes comprehensive analyses that include regional differences, showing that Saxony-Anhalt often aligns with nationwide trends in respiratory illness-related absences[3].
No information was found about specific virus variants or new pathogens such as Borna disease impacting sick days in the region during this time; Borna disease remains rare and primarily neurological without a large impact on cold/flu sick leaves[2].
In summary, the increase in cold and flu sick days in Saxony-Anhalt in 2025 is part of a broader national trend linked to post-pandemic viral circulation, with DAK-Gesundheit monitoring and analyzing these patterns[3]. Further precise regional data and in-depth analysis might be available in official DAK-Gesundheit publications or health ministry reports as they update beyond August 2025.
Interestingly, despite the rise in cold and flu sick days, the overall sickness rate in Saxony-Anhalt was 6.6 percent in the first half of 2025, which is 0.2 percentage points lower than in the same period in 2024[1]. On average, 66 out of 1,000 employees were on sick leave each day from January to June 2025, a decrease compared to the same period in 2024[1]. The analysis of sick days was based on data from around 46,000 employees insured with DAK in Thuringia[1].
[1] DAK-Gesundheit, Analysis of Sick Days in Thuringia (2025) [2] Saxony-Anhalt Health Ministry, Borna Disease Update (2025) [3] DAK-Gesundheit, Nationwide Sick Leave Trends Analysis (2025)
- The community legislation on the protection of workers, particularly in the case of the use of chemicals, could potentially help reduce the risk of exposure to carcinogens, contributing to an overall improvement in health-and-wellness within workplaces.
- Given the surge in respiratory infections in Saxony-Anhalt, it would be beneficial to examine the role of fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, and nutrition in boosting immunity and reducing sick days, as part of a comprehensive approach to health-and-wellness.
- The rise in cold and flu sick days in Saxony-Anhalt, despite a lower overall sickness rate, underscores the need for updated, precise regional data and targeted analysis, which may provide insights into specific therapies-and-treatments that could aid in the reduction of sick days.
- In the future, research on the potential benefits of CBD in managing symptoms associated with colds and flu could prove valuable, offering a scientific approach to enhancing health-and-wellness and reducing the impact of such illnesses in the workplace.
