Virginia Press Releases Department of Health - State, County and Town 2025-2026

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Virginia Department of Health
October 10, 2025

Health Advisories and Alerts are significant public health notices intended for healthcare providers. Please review and share within your practice widely.

• A Health Alert conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention.
• A Health Advisory provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action.

Updated Exclusion Guidance for Healthcare Personnel with COVID-19 and Seasonal Influenza


October 10, 2025
Health Advisory

Summary

• The Virginia Department of Health issued updated recommendations for exclusion of healthcare personnel (HCP) who test positive or have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or influenza.
  • HCP are those who provide direct healthcare services or who work in a location where healthcare is provided, including both clinical and support staff.
• The changes reduce the isolation period for COVID-19, remove return to work testing requirements, and align guidance for COVID-19 and influenza.
• The full recommendations can be found in the VDH health care provider guidelines (PDF).

Suggested Actions

• Healthcare providers and facilities should update HCP exclusion and return to work guidance for COVID-19 and influenza consistent with the new VDH recommendations (linked above and summarized in the ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section of this Advisory).
• Apply the updated guidance to HCP who test positive, HCP who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or seasonal influenza who have not been tested, and HCP with known exposures to either virus.

Additional information

• Updated VDH guidance for exclusion of HCP with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 or influenza are provided below. Note that the day of symptom onset or of a positive test is defined as day 0.
  • Infected (test positive) and Asymptomatic:
    • Exclude for 3 days from the first positive test.
    • Can return on day 4 if a facemask is worn for source control in all patient care and common areas of the facility through day 7, if not already wearing a facemask as part of universal source control masking.
  • Infected (test positive or with compatible symptoms) with Mild to Moderate Illness:
    • Exclude for 3 days from symptom onset*
    • Can return on day 4 if ALL of the following criteria are met:
      • At least 24 hours have passed with no fever (without using fever-reducing meds)
      • Symptoms are improving
      • They feel well enough to return to work
      • A facemask is worn for source control in all patient care and common areas of the facility for at least 7 days, if not already wearing a facemask as part of universal source control masking.
        *Facilities may consider temporary reassignment or exclusion of HCP from the care of patients/residents at highest risk of severe disease, including those with moderate or severe immunocompromising conditions. This reassignment is indicated for 7-10 days after symptom onset or until symptom resolution, whichever is longer.
• For HCP with severe or critical illness or who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, follow CDC guidance on COVID-19 risk assessment and infection control for healthcare personnel.
  • Exposed and Asymptomatic (who have not tested positive):
    • Wear a facemask for source control in all patient care and common areas of the facility for at least 5 days after the exposure. *
    • Monitor for symptoms for 5 days after last exposure. Any HCP who develops signs or symptoms of COVID-19 or influenza should be restricted from work as described above.
      *Work restrictions may be considered if HCP are unable to wear source control, are moderately to severely immunocompromised, care for or work on a unit with patients who are moderately to severely immunocompromised or work on a unit experiencing ongoing COVID-19 transmission that is not controlled with initial interventions.
• Current respiratory disease activity in Fairfax County, including COVID-19 and influenza diagnoses at emergency departments and urgent care centers, is displayed on the Fairfax County Health Department’s Respiratory Illness Dashboard. The dashboard is updated each week on Tuesdays.

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/alerts

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Richmond Dept. of Health

October 27, 2025
RHHD ENCOURAGES THE ‘LITTLE THINGS’ TO PROTECT AGAINST RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES THIS FALL


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 27, 2025
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RHHD Encourages the ‘Little Things’ to Protect Against Respiratory Illnesses This Fall
Wash Your Hands, Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes, Get Immunized

RICHMOND, Va. – You can protect yourself and your family this fall from respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by doing some simple little things. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts share three little things for a healthy fall: washing your hands, covering your coughs and sneezes, and getting immunized.

“Immunization is the most effective way to prevent serious infections from flu, COVID-19, and RSV,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “It’s also important to remember basic public health prevention measures such as hand washing and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze to reduce the chances of spreading all respiratory viruses.”

Washing Hands

Washing hands takes a mere 20-30 seconds but can be key to keeping you healthy and preventing respiratory diseases. Germs can spread by touching surfaces and other people. Be sure to wash your hands:

• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Before and after preparing food or eating.
• Before and after caring for someone else who is sick.
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands.

Covering Your Cough

Respiratory viruses can spread through droplets that are released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. To limit the spread of respiratory viruses, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Put your used tissue in the waste basket.

If you don’t have a tissue, cough into your upper sleeve or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.

Getting Immunized

Everyone aged six months and older should get a flu vaccine every year, with a few exceptions. Talk to a healthcare provider about which flu vaccines are recommended for you and your family.

People aged six months and older should receive the COVID-19 vaccine based on individual-based decision-making with a healthcare provider.

All adults aged 75 years and older are recommended to receive a single dose of one RSV vaccine. If you are 60-74 years old with a health condition, speak with your healthcare provider to decide if the RSV vaccine is the right choice for you. Pregnant women and parents of newborns should also talk with their provider about the benefits of RSV immunization.

If you are sick, stay home to prevent additional spread of respiratory virus.

For more information about how to stay healthy during respiratory illness season and all year round, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/respiratory-diseases-in-virginia/ or visit rhhd.gov. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/richmond-city/2025/10/27/rhhd-encourages-the-little-things-to-protect-against-respiratory-illnesses-this-fall/

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Richmond and Henrico County

RHHD ENCOURAGES COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO GET VACCINATED FOR FLU AND COVID-19
December 3, 2025

RICHMOND, Va. – With the 2025-26 respiratory virus season officially underway, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage everyone six months and older who lives, works, or plays in our community to receive their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a severe 2024-25 flu season with record high hospitalization rate in the U.S and the highest number of pediatric deaths during a regular, non-pandemic season. Last season, Virginia reported six influenza-associated pediatric deaths and 366 influenza outbreaks.

Vaccination Rates

Current local vaccination rates for flu and COVID-19 are lower than they have been in previous years. As of Dec. 2, 2025, 19.6 percent of Richmond City residents and 23.3 percent of Henrico County residents have received the 2025-2026 flu vaccine. Only 7.8 percent of Richmond City and 7.7 percent of Henrico County residents have received the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine.

By Dec. 2, 2024, 19.7 percent of Richmond City residents and 25.7 percent of Henrico County residents had received the flu vaccine. During the same time period, 10 percent of Richmond residents and 11 percent of Henrico residents had received the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Vaccines are the best tool we have for preventing infection from flu and COVID-19,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “Unfortunately, we are seeing fewer people get these safe and effective vaccines than in years past. Vaccines can protect you and your community from severe illness, hospitalization, and death as respiratory virus activity increases in the colder months. Just like we’ve seen with viruses like measles, more vaccinations mean reduced transmission, fewer outbreaks, and more time with friends and family.”

Where to Get Vaccines

You can get vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 at a local pharmacy or your primary care provider.

Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) providers offer no-cost vaccines to children (younger than 19 years of age) who are uninsured or underinsured; Medicaid-eligible or Medicaid-enrolled; and/or American Indian or Alaska Native. Search for a VVFC provider near you by using rhhd.gov/vfc.

Virginia Vaccines for Adults (VVFA) providers offer no-cost vaccinations to adults who are uninsured or underinsured. People receiving VVFA vaccinations may be required to pay an admin fee, usually between $10 and $20. Search for a VVFA provider near you by using rhhd.gov/vfa.

Respiratory Virus Season

Flu season, the period of highest virus activity, normally begins in early October and ends in late May. While seasonal outbreaks can happen as early as October, during most seasons, activity peaks in January or February. COVID-19 spreads year-round but tends to be more common in the fall and winter.

People need flu and COVID-19 vaccines for two reasons. First, the body’s immune response from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for optimal protection. Second, because these viruses are constantly changing, the formulation of these vaccines is reviewed each year and updated to target changing viruses.

As long as these viruses are circulating, it’s not too late to get your vaccines.

COVID-19 and Influenza Viruses

Influenza and COVID-19 are serious diseases caused by viruses that affects the respiratory tract. These viruses generally spread from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These viruses can be transmitted even before symptoms appear. A person usually becomes sick with flu one to three days following exposure to the virus. A person usually becomes sick with COVID-19 two to 14 days following exposure to the virus. Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue. Typical COVID-19 symptoms include fever, chills, cough, loss of taste or smell, severe fatigue, headaches, body aches, and sore throat.

How to Protect Yourself and Others

To minimize your risk of contracting or transmitting these viruses, follow these simple steps:

• Get vaccinated.
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand.
• Stay at home when you are sick.

It is safe to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. For more information, call RHHD at 804-205-3500.

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/richmon...-and-covid-19/

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Richmond and Henrico County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 19, 2025
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Provide Tips for Safe, Healthy Holiday Travel
Plan Ahead for a Healthy and Safe Holiday

RICHMOND, Va. – As you and your family prepare to travel during the holiday season, Richmond and Henrico Health District (RHHD) remind you to take important steps now to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Holiday travel and festive gatherings can increase the risk of spreading infectious diseases and encountering unexpected emergencies.

“Gathering with friends and family is one of the highlights of the holiday season,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “When we take steps like checking our immunization status, preventing seasonal illness, and making smart travel decisions, we protect our health and the health of our loved ones. Have a safe and memorable holiday, whether you are traveling or staying close to home.”

RHHD shares these tips to healthy and safe holiday travel:

• Check Immunization Status: To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal. Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your recommended vaccines. Measles and other infectious diseases can spread quickly in a large group of unvaccinated people.

• Prevent Seasonal Illnesses: Protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV by doing three little things: washing your hands, covering your cough and getting vaccinated. Everyone aged six months and older should get a flu shot every year, with a few exceptions. Talk to a healthcare provider about which vaccines are recommended for you and your family.

• Monitor Travel Advisories: Check current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of State travel advisories before departure.

• Pack Smart: Pack enough prescription medications for the entire trip, plus extra in case of delays. Keep medications in their original containers and carry them in your hand luggage. Pack a travel health kit.

• Stay Home if Sick: Postpone your travel and stay home when you are sick. Consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance to cover expenses if you must change your plans due to illness.

RHHD wishes everyone a safe, healthy, and festive holiday season. Visit rhhd.gov for more travel tips and health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook. 

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/richmond-city/category/pr/

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Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD)
January 8, 2026

STAUNTON, Va. – Respiratory virus activity is high, particularly for the flu, in the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD). Health officials say it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Vaccination is key to preventing severe illness and reducing hospitalizations during peak season.

As of January 8, the level of respiratory illnesses is high in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Health reported 21.8% of all emergency department (ED) visits in the Northwest Region were for respiratory illnesses. Area hospitals have seen an exponential increase in hospital admissions related to flu, which is similar to what is being seen across the nation.

“High levels of flu activity are being reported in our region right now,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, the Community Health Services Medical Officer for the Virginia Department of Health. “This is a good reminder that it is not too late to get your flu shot for the season, and that those who are feeling sick should stay home if able.”

Everyone aged six months and older should get a flu shot every year, with a few exceptions. Talk to a healthcare provider about which flu vaccines are recommended for you and your family.

People aged six months and older can receive the COVID-19 vaccine based on individual-based decision-makingwith a healthcare provider.

All adults aged 75 years and older are recommended to receive a single dose of one RSV vaccine. If you are 60-74 years old with a health condition, speak with your healthcare provider to determine if the RSV vaccine is the right choice for you. Pregnant women and parents of newborns should also talk with their provider about the benefits of the RSV vaccine.

Other steps you can take to stay healthy include:

• Staying home when sick.
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Covering coughs and sneezes.

For more information, contact the Central Shenandoah Health District at either (540) 332-7830 or cshdinfo@vdh.virginia.gov, or visit the VDH flu page.

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/re...%20of%20Health.

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Rappahannock County

Respiratory Illnesses Are High in Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District
January 9, 2026

WARRENTON, Va. – Respiratory virus activity is high and increasing, particularly for RSV, Flu viruses in Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District. Health officials say it’s not too late to get vaccinate. Vaccination is key to preventing severe illness and reducing hospitalizations during peak season.

As of January 2026, the level of respiratory illnesses is moderate to high in Virginia. Virginia reported 8.1% of all visits of all emergency department (ED) visits were for respiratory illnesses. Northwest Region: High (21.8% of ED visits) Respiratory Illness Level. During the week ending 1/3/2026, there were 29 visits (1.47% of all ED visits) for diagnosed RSV among Rappahannock Rapidan residents. During the week ending 1/3/2026, there were 190 visits (9.64% of all ED visits) for diagnosed Flu among Rappahannock Rapidan residents.

“Respiratory virus activity is increasing and continuing to increase across the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District, particularly for RSV and influenza,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “It is not too late to get vaccinated. Vaccination remains our most effective tool to prevent severe illness and reduce hospitalizations during peak respiratory virus season.”

Everyone aged six months and older should get a flu shot every year, with a few exceptions. Talk to a healthcare provider about which flu vaccines are recommended for you and your family.

People aged six months and older can receive the COVID-19 vaccine based on individual-based decision-makingwith a healthcare provider.

All adults aged 75 years and older are recommended to receive a single dose of one RSV vaccine. If you are 60-74 years old with a health condition, speak with your healthcare provider to determine if the RSV vaccine is the right choice for you. Pregnant women and parents of newborns should also talk with their provider about the benefits of the RSV vaccine.

Other steps you can take to stay healthy include:

• Staying home when sick.
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Covering coughs and sneezes.

For more information, call the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department at www.rrhd.org or visit the VDH flu page.

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/tag/flu/

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Virginia Health Officials Report the First Pediatric Flu Death of the 2025–2026 Season
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 15, 2026

RICHMOND, Va. – Today, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting the first influenza-associated pediatric death for the 2025–26 influenza (flu) season in Virginia. Sadly, a preschool-age child (0-4 years) in VDH’s Eastern Region died from complications associated with flu. To protect the family’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the child.

“We at the Virginia Department of Health, are broken hearted and extend our sympathies to the family of this child during this difficult time,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD. “Even though the flu is common, it can cause serious illness and even death. I urge everyone who is eligible to receive the flu vaccine to do so not only to protect themselves, but to protect those around them.”

VDH recommends the following tips to prevent the flu:

• Most people aged six months and older should receive an annual flu vaccine. Consult your healthcare provider as needed.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow rather than your open hand.
• Stay at home when you feel sick.

People at increased risk for flu complications should speak with a healthcare provider when symptoms begin to see if antiviral treatment is recommended. Treatment works best when started within two days after symptoms begin. Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms become severe.

As of January 10, the level of respiratory illnesses is moderate in Virginia. Although flu activity has been trending down in recent weeks, flu season is far from over. Virginia is still reporting surges in emergency department (ED) visits (5.4% or 4,676 visits) for flu. To date, flu outbreaks have significantly impacted daycares/Pre-K facilities, schools, and long-term care facilities.

Influenza A(H3N2) viruses are the most frequently reported viruses in circulation so far this season. A new influenza A(H3N2) subclade, named “subclade K”, was identified in August, and differs from the H3N2 component in this season’s flu vaccine. Vaccine effectiveness against subclade K might be reduced, but the vaccine is still expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The vaccine also provides protection against other circulating strains of flu.

With flu activity elevated in Virginia, now is still a good time to get a flu vaccine if you have not already. Less than 30% of eligible Virginians reported receiving a flu vaccine this season. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from flu. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies, medical offices, some federally qualified health care centers, and local health departments. To learn more, visit the Vaccine Provider Locator.

Last season was the deadliest flu season on record for children in the United States; approximately half of the children who died from influenza did not having an underlying medical condition and 89% were not up to date with recommended flu vaccinations. CDC estimated that during the 2024–25 season, influenza vaccination prevented:

• 4 million flu-related illnesses;
• 4 million flu-related medical visits;
• 170,000 flu-related hospitalizations; and
• 12,000 flu-related deaths.

VDH’s Respiratory Illness dashboard will be next updated January 20.

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/pu...5-2026-season/

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COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA
Department of Health

Respiratory Illness and Measles Updates for Virginia

January 21, 2026

Dear Colleague:

Virginia has been experiencing an active respiratory illness season and has reported multiple recent measles cases and exposures. This letter shares important reminders for keeping yourself and your patients healthy.

Prevent Respiratory Illnesses

As of January 17, the level of respiratory illnesses is now low in Virginia. This follows recent high levels of activity, primarily driven by influenza (flu) illnesses. While flu activity has been trending down, Virginia is still reportingelevated levels of patients hospitalized with flu and, sadly, reported the first flu-associated pediatric death last week. It is also still early in the respiratory season, and we have observed bimodal peaks in previous years.

It is still a good time for people to get a flu vaccine, if they have not already. Encourage flu vaccination for eligible patients and staff. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from flu.

Influenza Testing and Treatment:

• Rapidly submit influenza specimens to DCLS that were unable to be subtyped using a test that is capable of providing a subtype, but failed to do so (e.g., Biofire, ePlex). The DCLS Influenza Test Request Form should indicate ‘Influenza A subtype EQUIVOCAL/Influenza A subtype NOT DETECTED’.
  • If Avian A(H5N1) or a novel infection is suspected based on clinical or epidemiologic risk factors, contact your local health department by the most rapid means possible to report and request testing at the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS).
• Promptly prescribe FDA-approved influenza antiviral medications for patients with influenza who are hospitalized; patients who have severe, complicated, or progressive illness; or patients at higher risk for influenza complications.
  • During times of elevated influenza activity, VDH recommends that providers prioritize the use of oseltamivir for hospitalized patients and high-risk outpatients early in the course of illness, and consider therapeutic substitution with non-oseltamivir products when clinically appropriate. Although we are not aware of significant shortages in Virginia, if you experience shortages of oseltamivir, please report that information rapidly through your local health department.

VDH maintains resources for healthcare facilities and the public to help prevent transmission of respiratory viruses and monitor local respiratory illness metrics.

Stay Alert for Measles

Virginia clinicians are asked to stay alert for measles given recent cases and exposure events in Virginia and other ongoing measles outbreaks in the United States and abroad. Consider measles, particularly in patients with fever and a generalized maculopapular rash who have recently traveled out of the country or to regions of the United States reporting measles outbreaks. Other symptoms include cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis.

If you suspect measles:

• Isolate: Immediately isolate the patient in a single-patient airborne infection isolation room (AIIR), or in a private room with a closed door until an AIIR is available.
• Notify: Immediately notify your local health department to ensure rapid testing and investigation.
• Test: Submit a nasopharyngeal (NP) swab in VTM or UTM for PCR testing and a bloodserum specimen for serology testing at DCLS. Follow instructions for specimen collection and handling. Test results are available in less than 24 hours.

Develop a plan for measles prevention and control:

• Ensure healthcare systems can rapidly retrieve employee immunization statuses. MMR vaccine is recommended for all healthcare workers who do not have documented evidence of measles immunity.
• Be prepared to identify all potentially exposed patients, visitors, and staff during times when appropriate transmission-based precautions were not in place.
• Establish protocols for administering post-exposure prophylaxis, and ensure adequate supply of MMR vaccine, IVIG, and IMIG.
• Make sure that patients are up to date on recommended measles vaccines, especially before international travel, regardless of destination. Infants six through eleven months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel.
• Visit VDH’s Measles Information for Healthcare Providers to stay up to date on measles.

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping Virginians safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

B. Cameron Webb, MD, JD
State Health Commissioner

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/clinicians/clinician-letters/respiratory-illness-and-measles-updates-for-virginia/