‘Still time to protect yourself’: Virginia health officials warn of rising winter virus trends

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- As of late December 2025, Virginia is seeing a shift in respiratory activity. While overall levels remain relatively manageable compared to previous pandemic peaks, the VDH "Respiratory Illness Dashboard" indicates that the commonwealth is entering a period of increased transmission.

"We're coming out of the heart of this holiday season and we still have one more holiday to go. This timing is not unusual. This timing is actually about the same as what we saw, in 2024 and then in 2023 season," said Dr. Melissa Viray, Richmond and Henrico Health District Deputy Director.

Influenza is currently the primary driver of new respiratory activity in Virginia. Flu activity is trending up, now accounting for approximately 5% of all emergency department (ED) visits across the state.

While the national trend shows COVID-19 "likely growing" in many states, Virginia’s data remains stable for now. COVID-19 currently accounts for roughly 0.4% of ED visits in Virginia. Experts describe the current activity as "low," but caution that holiday travel could impact these numbers in the coming weeks.

RSV is also stable at 0.4% of ED visits, though activity is notably higher among children aged 0–4, who remain the most vulnerable population for this virus.

Not all of Virginia is seeing the same levels of illness. The VDH dashboard uses a 6-level scale (Minimal to Extremely High). Currently, most Virginia regions are in the "Low" to "Moderate" categories, but the Northern and Mid-Atlantic regions are seeing the fastest acceleration in new cases.

Dr. Viray emphasized that it is not too late to take action and get vaccinated.

"Hand hygiene, avoid touching your face and your eyes if you're going to touch your face and your eyes," said Dr. Viray. "We are still in the relatively early part of the winter. There is still transmission going on, and you are still able to protect yourself and others.” 

The VDH updates the Respiratory Illness Dashboard every Tuesday.