Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is notifying our community of a rise in influenza (flu) in Alexandria.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that emergency department visits for flu in Alexandria are very high. Additionally, the percentage of Northern Virginia emergency department visits where people were diagnosed with the flu is over triple the percentage at this time in 2024.

With this increase in flu, Alexandria Health Department recommends that people take added precautions to prevent the spread of flu germs that can make us sick. 

Some tips include:

• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your inner elbow (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. 
• Feel free to mask to prevent the spread of airborne germs. 
• Maintain a clean and sanitized space by disinfecting high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs and handrails.
• It is not too late to get a flu vaccine - get vaccinated if you have not done so already.
• Stay home if you’re feeling sick and consider postponing gatherings with others who feel sick. People should stay home until they are feeling better, and they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.

More information on the flu and other respiratory illnesses is available on the health department’s Flu Season website. 

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.

For media requests only, contact Eve Elliott, Alexandria Health Department Communications Officer at Eve.Elliott@vdh.virginia.gov or 804.467.5160.