Northern Virginia is experiencing an increase in respiratory illness activity, with elevated flu cases and hospitalizations reported across the region. Public health officials in Arlington and broader Northern Virginia have issued recommendations for residents to mitigate spread and manage symptoms. Data from late 2025 and early 2026 indicates a rise in flu-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations, prompting local healthcare providers to adjust services.
Current Illness Trends and Statistics
In the final week of 2025, Arlington, Virginia, recorded a more than 50% increase in flu-related hospitalizations. During this period, approximately 14% of patients presenting to emergency departments and urgent care clinics in Arlington were diagnosed with the flu. Statewide in Virginia, emergency department visits for flu accounted for 9.8% of all visits in late December, with total respiratory illness visits reaching 24.3%, an increase of 6.1 percentage points from the previous week. The age groups most affected by flu, according to these reports, were 0-4 years and 5-17 years.
For the week ending January 3, the Virginia Department of Health reported that influenza accounted for 22% of emergency room visits in Northern Virginia. Nationally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates at least 11 million flu cases, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths this season. The CDC also indicated high or very high flu activity in 48 states.
While statewide emergency room visits for respiratory illnesses showed an increase in late December, data from the week ending January 3 indicated a decrease in respiratory-related ER cases statewide compared to the week ending December 27.
Other respiratory viruses also contributed to illness activity. For the last full week of 2025 in Arlington, seven emergency room visits for COVID-19 and 12 hospitalizations for RSV were reported. Statewide, COVID-19 and RSV cases remained relatively stable, representing 0.7% and 0.6% of all emergency department visits, respectively. As of late December, 17.3% of Arlington's population had received the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine, surpassing the statewide average of 9.2%.
Dominant Strains and Contributing Factors
The current flu season, which typically peaks between December and February, is primarily associated with influenza A, subclade k. This specific strain emerged after the development of the 2025 flu vaccine. Healthcare professionals have observed an intensification of the flu season following school holidays and increased travel.
Healthcare System Response
Dr. Meredith Porter, Medical Director for Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care in Northern Virginia, noted elevated levels of acute respiratory illness across the region. In response to demand, Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care, which operates 23 centers in the area, has increased support staff and extended virtual visit hours until midnight to manage patient volume and help divert individuals from emergency rooms.
Public Health Guidance and Prevention
Public health officials emphasize several measures to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:
- Vaccination: Residents are encouraged to receive their annual flu shot. COVID-19 vaccination is also advised, with both vaccines permissible for simultaneous administration. Vaccines are available through primary care providers and local pharmacies.
- Hygiene Practices: Frequent handwashing or the use of hand sanitizer is recommended to eliminate germs. Wiping down public surfaces, such as grocery carts, is also suggested.
- Isolation When Sick: Individuals experiencing illness should remain home to prevent transmission. Specifically, staying home until fever-free for at least 24 hours is advised.
- Mask Usage: The use of masks is suggested as an additional protective measure against respiratory viruses, particularly when around others or recovering from an illness.
- Immune System Support: Taryn Overman, VHC Health's associate chief nursing officer, recommended supporting a healthy immune system through adequate hydration, sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management.
Symptoms and When to Seek Care
Common flu symptoms include body aches, fever, cough, and fatigue. Individuals are typically most contagious in the first three days following symptom onset. For flu symptoms, it is recommended to visit a primary care provider or urgent care center first for early testing and potential antiviral treatment. Emergency room attention is advised for severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, dehydration, or changes in lucidity.