Hampton Roads hospitals require masking for patients with respiratory symptoms

Hampton Roads is experiencing a significant increase in flu activity this season, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and regional health surveillance reports.

In response, area hospitals and health care systems are reinforcing masking guidance and infection prevention measures across care settings to help protect patients, visitors, and staff from the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and RSV.

Updated patient masking guidance

• Masking required for respiratory symptoms. Patients with flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, fever, or a runny nose are required to wear a mask and notify the front desk upon arrival at provider offices, urgent care centers, and emergency departments. This requirement applies even if the patient has received their annual flu vaccine. At Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, families are asked to notify the front desk if their child is unable to wear a mask safely due to age or certain conditions.
• Seeking care while symptomatic. Patients who need medical care should not delay treatment due to symptoms. Masks will be provided as needed and care teams will guide patients on next steps upon arrival.

While vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness from the flu, it is not 100 percent effective. Individuals who are vaccinated can still contract and spread the virus. Masking when symptoms are present provides an additional layer of protection.

Additional steps to limit the spread of the flu include frequent handwashing, staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and getting an annual flu vaccine. Patients can keep emergency rooms open for critical cases by choosing primary care or urgent care for flu and respiratory symptoms.

As health care providers, our shared goal is to protect the health of the communities we serve. Individuals infected with the flu can spread the virus before symptoms are fully apparent, making awareness and early precautions critical.

Patients and visitors experiencing flu-like symptoms are encouraged to consider postponing non-essential visits to hospitalized loved ones when possible. Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, chills, fatigue, and, in some cases, vomiting or diarrhea.

This flu-related masking guidance will remain in effect while flu activity remains elevated in the region.

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