Rising influenza numbers in Jena - leave children with cold symptoms at home

Over the past few days, the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at Jena University Hospital has recorded a sharp increase in the number of children with acute febrile respiratory illnesses. These include many cases of influenza (flu), but also other types of infection. Overall, there is currently a strong strain in the treatment of acute respiratory diseases - especially in children. This is also being reported by pediatric practices.

There is an urgent need to avoid overburdening the healthcare system.

The public health department and Jena University Hospital are therefore jointly appealing to parents not to leave all children at home, but to leave children with cold symptoms at home so that the wave of infection can be flattened by fewer infections in nurseries and schools. Sick leave by telephone was recently extended until March 2023. Doctors can therefore write off patients suffering from mild upper respiratory tract illnesses after consulting them by telephone.

This appeal is now also intended to raise public awareness of the need to avoid further infections.