Virus-Related Hospitalizations Surge In Loudoun County: Officials

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Public health officials are urging residents to take precautions as virus-related hospitalizations surge in Loudoun County.

In a news release on Wednesday, experts said local emergency rooms are experiencing extended wait times due to viruses like COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The trend will continue throughout the winter, officials said.

Kristen Nickerson is the executive director of the Northern Virginia Emergency Response System. "We want to ensure all Northern Virginians are informed on seeking the right care at the right time at the right place,” Nickerson said. "For example, seeking care from your primary care provider, a community clinic or an urgent care may be less time consuming and less costly than going straight to the emergency room."

After two years of reduced levels, flu cases are on the rise this year. Experts believe that COVID mitigation strategies that people observed in 2020 and 2021 prevented flu cases. Now that mitigation measures have relaxed, illnesses like the flu and RSV are surging.

"These viruses are now able to spread more easily,” Loudoun County Health Director Dr. David Goodfriend said. “We recommend taking all precautions to prevent illness, starting with vaccines for the flu and COVID-19 — including all boosters available — and incorporating steps like hand-washing, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home and keeping children out of school when they are sick, and other mitigation strategies."

The Loudoun County Health Department offered the following tips to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:

• Wash your hands regularly.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid or limit time around others who are sick or may be sick.
• Consider maintaining social distancing or wearing a mask, particularly if you are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, influenza or other respiratory infections.
• Stay home if you're sick.
• Avoid crowded indoor areas.