{"id":16919,"date":"2026-01-09T14:56:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T19:56:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=16919"},"modified":"2026-01-09T14:56:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T19:56:13","slug":"respiratory-illnesses-are-high-in-rappahannock-rapidan-health-district","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/2026-regional-news-releases\/respiratory-illnesses-are-high-in-rappahannock-rapidan-health-district\/","title":{"rendered":"Respiratory Illnesses Are High in Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District"},"content":{"rendered":"

January 9, 2026
\nMedia Contact:<\/strong> Dr Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\n

Respiratory Illnesses Are High in Rappahannock-Rapidan<\/strong> Health District
\n<\/strong>Health Officials Say It\u2019s Not Too Late to Get Vaccinated<\/em><\/p>\n

WARRENTON, Va. \u2013 Respiratory virus activity is high and increasing, particularly for RSV, Flu viruses in Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District. Health officials say it\u2019s not too late to get vaccinate. Vaccination is key to preventing severe illness and reducing hospitalizations during peak season.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0visits (1.47%\u00a0of all ED visits) for diagnosed RSV among Rappahannock Rapidan residents. During the week ending 1\/3\/2026, there were 190\u00a0visits (9.64%\u00a0of all ED visits) for diagnosed Flu among Rappahannock Rapidan residents.<\/p>\n

\u201cRespiratory virus activity is increasing and continuing to increase across the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District, particularly for RSV and influenza,\u201d said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone aged six months and older should get a flu shot<\/a><\/u> every year, with a few exceptions<\/a><\/u>. 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><\/u> 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><\/u>. 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