Flu ER Visits Increase In Alexandria Amid New Strain

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Flu and other respiratory illnesses have been spiking in Alexandria, according to new data released by the Alexandria Health Department.

The data tracked by the Virginia Department of Health shows flu-related emergency room visits in Alexandria had more than tripled in the last two weeks of December. For the week ending on Dec. 27, there were 107 ER visits with flue diagnoses, representing 11.05 percent of Alexandria's ER visits.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that flu levels were high in Virginia for the week ending on Dec. 20.

Health officials are monitoring a new flu strain called subclade K that is causing more people to get infected with the flu. Flu viruses are known to mutate and take numerous forms. According to the Associated Press, the subclade K strain could be particularly severe for older adults.

The Alexandria Health Department says the subclade K strain wasn't present when the latest flu shot was developed. However, health officials say it can help protect against severe illness from the subclade K and other flu strains.

Currently, the CDC recommends the seasonal flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older "with rare exceptions," especially people at higher risk of complications from the flu.

Other respiratory illnesses are in the mix over the colder season. The health department noted that COVID-19 cases were up but that flu was causing more cases with severe illness. Experts say the same precautions for the flu protect against COVID-19, and COVID-19 vaccines continue to be widely available for eligible residents. There is also a one-time RSV shot for older adults and other high-risk people.

Alexandria health officials recommend the following tips to prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses:

• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your inner elbow (not your hands).
• Wear a mask to prevent the spread of germs.
• Clean high-touch surfaces like doorknobs.
• Stay home if you’re feeling sick. Stay home until you feel better and have been fever-free for 24 hours.
• Turn on exhaust fans to circulate fresh air or use an air purifier if you have one.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.