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Austria Now News – Austria
The number of sick leaves in Austria fell markedly in the 44th week of the year, with the number of people on sick leave registered with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund, Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK), dropping from 260,689 the previous week to 219,978 – a decline of about 15.6 percent, according to data from the fund published by the newspaper Heute.
Seasonal illness figures across Austria
Across Austria, the fund recorded 43,535 cases of colds and flu-like infections, compared with 59,887 the week before. Cases of true flu (influenza) also fell from 740 to 611, and COVID-19 cases from 397 to 342.
In Lower Austria alone, 39,273 people were on sick leave, 6,158 fewer than the previous week, including 7,003 flu-like infections, 89 influenza cases and 47 COVID-19 cases.
These figures only cover employees insured with the ÖGK and recipients of unemployment benefit, and do not include those insured with other social insurance funds. The fund notes that actual COVID-19 figures may be higher, as mandatory reporting was abolished in July 2023 and far fewer tests are now carried out.
Call for vaccination ahead of flu season
Despite the decline, the fund warned against underestimating the coming flu season. ÖGK chief physician Andreas Krauter said the figures had fallen compared with the previous week, “but now is the right time to protect yourself against the coming flu season.” He added that the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of infection and is available free of charge, with suitable vaccines for all age groups: for children, for adults up to 59, and for those aged 60 and over.
Vienna began free flu vaccinations on Monday after delays in vaccine deliveries, while the National Reference Laboratory at the Medical University of Vienna (MedUni Wien) expects this year’s flu wave to start early, possibly between mid- and late November, according to ORF Wien. Vaccinations are available from doctors in private practice and at ÖGK health centres. If you have chronic conditions or questions about vaccination: consult your doctor.
Austria Now News – keeping you up to date.
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Sources
- Heute – Grippe, Corona und Co. – so viele Menschen sind krank – 02.11.2026 – https://www.heute.at/s/grippe-corona-und-co-so-viele-menschen-sind-krank-120275593
- wien.ORF.at – Wieder lieferbar: Grippeimpfung startet – 02.11.2026 – https://wien.orf.at/stories/3377629/
