ÖGK records rise in sick leave as respiratory illnesses spread

Respiratory illnesses are becoming more common in Tyrol, and sick leave reported to Austria’s Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) is also increasing, ORF reports.

Wastewater monitoring in all districts of Tyrol shows a rise in Covid infections. The state health directorate said this was a typical seasonal increase. The ÖGK recorded 32 Covid cases in the previous week, but said the actual number was likely higher because Covid-19 is no longer a notifiable disease.

Tyrol is in the middle of the national range for sick leave due to flu-like infections, with 4,093 cases reported to the ÖGK in calendar week 40. The figures suggest a moderate start to this year’s flu season. In the first week of October 2025, 1,500 more people were officially reported as having a flu-like infection.

People in at-risk groups are advised to get seasonal vaccinations against influenza and Covid, or to update their vaccinations.