Virginia's flu-related ER visit rates are up fivefold from last year
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Flu season appears to be getting an early start in Virginia, with flu-related ER visit rates running more than five times higher than this time last year.
Why it matters: The early uptick comes after a brutal flu season that strained Richmond-area hospitals last winter, prompting health systems to tighten visitor restrictions and masking precautions.
By the numbers: About 0.6% of the state's emergency department visits during the week ending in Oct. 10 were diagnosed with flu, compared with 0.11% last year and 0.18% in 2024, per the Virginia Department of Health.
- Flu-related ER visit rates are similar across the Richmond area, ranging from about 0.5% in Richmond and Chesterfield to 0.8% in Henrico.
- Statewide ER and urgent care visits diagnosed with flu also jumped 27% in one week, from 839 to 1,069, VDH reported Friday.
Zoom in: Young children appear to be bearing the brunt of early flu activity statewide.
- Kids ages 4 and younger had the highest proportion of flu-related ER visits among all age groups during the week ending Oct. 10, reports VDH.
- The second-highest: 5- to 17-year-olds, who also account for the largest number of positive flu lab reports.
- And all four flu outbreaks in that timeframe were in schools and daycares.
Reality check: Virginia's overall respiratory illness activity remains low, though it's trending upward.
- And the flu still accounts for a small fraction of ER visits.
- But these reports also don't capture all infections, since not everyone with the virus seeks emergency care.
What's next: Richmond and Henrico health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated by the end of October to beat the peak winter respiratory illness season.
- About 10% of Richmond-area residents have received this season's shot, roughly in line with the statewide rate as of the latest VDH report.
The bottom line: An earlier rise in flu activity doesn't necessarily mean Virginia is headed for a worse season, but the virus is gaining ground.