The Fairfax Health District, covering Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and Falls Church, is reporting high levels of respiratory illnesses due to the flu. According to the health department, current flu activity exceeds previous years’ levels, both before and since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Between January 26 and February 1, about one in seven people visiting emergency departments and urgent care centers were diagnosed with flu. Children are especially at risk, with about one in four visits for flu. The number of emergency department visits increased significantly in January, jumping from 5.3% to 14.4%.
The majority of influenza-related visits during this period were for children and teens aged 2-17, accounting for more than half of all cases. Meanwhile, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections are experiencing low activity levels.
Overall, 37% of emergency department visits by Fairfax residents are due to acute respiratory illnesses, a higher percentage than last year’s flu season peak. The high flu activity is part of a nationwide trend, with Virginia reporting a surge in influenza infections as of January 28.
A decline in flu vaccinations has contributed to the increased cases. Fewer children are getting flu shots both locally and nationally since the 2021-2022 season. Two children in Virginia have died from influenza this year.
The health department emphasizes that annual flu vaccination remains the best way to protect against serious illness if infected by the flu virus. Vaccination can lower the risk of flu-related hospitalization, death, and other severe complications.
Source: https://www.ffxnow.com/2025/02/06/flu-levels-higher-than-usual-in-fairfax-health-department-says