{"id":16908,"date":"2026-01-08T10:39:27","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T15:39:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=16908"},"modified":"2026-01-08T11:54:51","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T16:54:51","slug":"respiratory-illnesses-are-high-in-the-central-shenandoah-health-district","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/respiratory-illnesses-are-high-in-the-central-shenandoah-health-district\/","title":{"rendered":"Respiratory Illnesses Are High in the Central Shenandoah Health District"},"content":{"rendered":"

January 8, 2026
\nMedia Contact:<\/strong> Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov<\/a>, 540-480-4998<\/p>\n

Respiratory Illnesses Are High in the Central Shenandoah Health District<\/strong>
\nHealth Officials Say It\u2019s Not Too Late to Get Vaccinated <\/em><\/p>\n

STAUNTON, Va. \u2013 <\/strong>Respiratory virus activity is high, particularly for the flu, in the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD). Health officials say it\u2019s not too late to get vaccinated. Vaccination is key to preventing severe illness and reducing hospitalizations during peak season.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cHigh levels of flu activity are being reported in our region right now,\u201d says Dr. Allison Baroco, the Community Health Services Medical Officer for the Virginia Department of Health. \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

People aged six months and older can receive the COVID-19 vaccine based on individual-based decision-making<\/a> with a healthcare provider.<\/p>\n

All adults aged 75 years and older are recommended to receive a single dose of one RSV vaccine<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

Other steps you can take to stay healthy include:<\/p>\n