Saxony Sees Fewer Flu Cases, More Mental Health Absences

Saxony, Germany – Sick leave rates in Saxony saw a slight decrease in the first half of 2026, with respiratory illnesses dropping significantly. The DAK health insurance fund reported a 20% reduction in absences due to coughs, colds, flu, and COVID-19 compared to the same period in 2025.

This decline is largely attributed to a milder flu season. From late September 2025 to late April 2026, only 28,550 people in Saxony were diagnosed with influenza, a substantial drop from the previous season, which experienced a severe wave of the virus. This resulted in fewer workdays lost to flu-related sickness.

However, the trend for mental health conditions reversed. After a 10% decrease in sick leave for psychological reasons in the first half of 2025, the DAK recorded a 5% increase in the first half of 2026. These conditions are now the third most frequent cause of absence, following respiratory issues and musculoskeletal complaints like back pain.

Overall, the sickness rate in Saxony was 5.5% in early 2026, a marginal improvement from 5.6% in the prior year. This means that on any given day, an average of 55 out of 1,000 employees were on sick leave, missing an average of 9.5 days. The DAK analyzed data from 50,400 insured workers in the region.