Flu Cases Rise in Arlington, Health Officials Urge Vaccination

With flu cases increasing in Arlington, health authorities are urging residents to consider vaccination and adopt healthy practices. Recent data shows a more than 50% rise in flu hospitalizations during the last week of 2025, as reported by Arlington Public Health. Approximately 14% of patients visiting emergency rooms and urgent care centers were diagnosed with the flu.

“Last year was one of the most severe flu seasons we’ve experienced in quite a while, and it appears this year might be even worse,” noted Taryn Overman, associate chief nursing officer at VHC Health, in comments to ARLnow.

Emergency department visits for flu have been increasing throughout Virginia, comprising 9.8% of total visits by the end of December. In fact, nearly a quarter of all emergency visits statewide—24.3%—were for respiratory conditions, marking a 6.1-point rise from the previous week.

The highest number of flu cases appeared among younger children aged 0-4 and those aged 5-17.

To mitigate the spread of illness, Arlington Public Health has shared several recommendations:

• Get vaccinated: It’s still possible to get your flu shot. The health department strongly encourages flu vaccination to minimize illness and hospital visits. They also recommend getting vaccinated for COVID-19, and both vaccines can be administered simultaneously. Vaccines are generally available at local pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens as well as primary care providers. For more locations, you can visit vaccinefinder.org.
• Practice good hygiene: Regular hand washing or using hand sanitizer can help eliminate germs.
• Stay home if you’re unwell: This is important to prevent passing illnesses to others.
• Consider wearing a mask: Masks can offer an extra layer of protection against respiratory viruses.

Overman also suggested that the public should aim to maintain a healthy immune system by staying hydrated, sleeping adequately, eating well, exercising, and managing stress effectively.

“We advise you stay home until you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours,” she explained. “If you need to be around others, wearing a mask can help curb the flu’s spread.”

During the last week of 2025, seven residents from Arlington were treated in emergency rooms for COVID-19, while 12 were hospitalized for RSV, according to the county’s respiratory illness dashboard.

As for the COVID-19 vaccine, around 17.3% of Arlington’s population has received the 2025-26 vaccine, which is significantly higher than the statewide average of 9.2%.

Overall, COVID-19 and RSV cases appear to remain stable across the state, comprising 0.7% and 0.6% of all emergency department visits, respectively.