01/09/2026
Flu activity is on the rise in the Hampton Roads area. To keep everyone safe, area hospitals are reinforcing masking and prevention measures for all with respiratory symptoms—even if you’ve had your flu shot.
Patients with flu-like symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, fever, or a runny nose, are required to wear a mask and notify the front desk upon arrival at provider offices, urgent care centers and emergency departments. This requirement applies even if the patient has received their annual flu vaccine.
Patients who need medical care should not delay treatment due to symptoms. Masks will be provided as needed, and care teams will guide patients on the next steps upon arrival.
While vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness from the flu, it is not 100 percent effective. Individuals who are vaccinated can still contract and spread the virus. Masking when symptoms are present provides an additional layer of protection.
Additional steps to limit the spread of the flu include frequent hand washing, staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes and getting an annual flu vaccine. Patients can keep emergency rooms open for critical cases by choosing primary care or urgent care for flu and respiratory symptoms.
As health care providers, our shared goal is to protect the health of the communities we serve. Individuals infected with the flu can spread the virus before symptoms are fully apparent, making awareness and early precautions critical.
Patients and visitors experiencing flu-like symptoms are encouraged to consider postponing non-essential visits to hospitalized loved ones when possible. Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, chills, fatigue and, in some cases, vomiting or diarrhea.
This flu-related masking guidance will remain in effect as long as flu activity remains elevated in the region.