This winter, the flu isn’t the only thing going around. COVID-19 rates in Virginia this winter have been on the rise, with a 71% increase in new cases from December 1st to December 30th.  In an attempt to cut off the outbreak before it gets out of hand, the Biden administration is launching their program providing 4 free Covid tests to households for the second winter in a row. (You can order here.)

Not only is the rate of infection rising, hospitalization is rising, too. While hospitalizations in the U.S. had been steady, around 3,000 daily for the past several months, they rose to a daily average of 5,639 the week of December 22. In addition to this, almost 19,000 people were hospitalized for the flu this week.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) reached a peak in November and rates are declining, but still high. Be careful- testing negative for Covid doesn’t mean it’s just a cold. Infants and the elderly are most at risk, so be careful visiting family if you think you’ve been exposed to any of these diseases.

Almost 90% of Virginia is vaccinated against COVID-19, so few are at high risk during this outbreak. However, it’s still best to be cautious and considerate of others. If you’re showing symptoms of Covid, the flu, or RSV, take a test, for your safety and the safety of others.