RICHMOND, Va. (WVDN) — Virginia is bracing for its most dangerous flu season in years as a new, fast-spreading strain of influenza is fueling a surge in hospitalizations, deaths, and pediatric cases across the Commonwealth and the Alleghany Highlands, public health officials warn.
On top of a mounting wave of pneumonia cases, particularly among young children, the region is contending with the double threat of a severe flu and variant, along with a spike in respiratory illnesses that experts say could strain local hospitals during the winter months.
“We’re seeing an alarming increase in both influenza and pneumonia cases this fall and winter, especially among our most vulnerable populations,” said Dr. Hayden, professor at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. “The new H3N2 subclade K strain is spreading quickly, and available vaccines
appear to be a limited match.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the current flu season, dominated by the H3N2 virus and its offshoot, has resulted in more than 900,000 hospitalizations nationwide since October 2024. Virginia alone has reported more than 60 flu- related deaths as of December, including pediatric fatalities, while Alleghany Highlands medical centers are reporting increased admissions for both flu and pneumonia, straining local healthcare resources.
Public health authorities point to several factors compounding the crisis. Only about 31% of Virginians have received a flu shot this season, a troubling statistic as the new variant proves especially severe for the elderly, young children, and those with chronic illnesses.
“In the Alleghany Highlands, where we serve a large population of seniors and families with children, the low vaccination rate is deeply concerning,” said a spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Health. “It puts our community at heightened risk for both complications and further outbreaks.”
The CDC and the Virginia Department of Health confirmed that schools throughout the state, including the Alleghany Highlands’ school districts, have reported clusters of respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia, with some schools confirming multiple students hospitalized. Data from November showed emergency departments recorded a substantial spike in the number of pneumonia cases compared to the previous two years, with special concern for children ages 0 to 17 and adults ages 18 to 64.
Health experts explain that the H3N2 subclade K strain’s emergence has rendered current flu vaccines only a partial match. In adult populations, early estimates from the United Kingdom suggest vaccine effectiveness rates as low as 32-39%, while nasal spray vaccines for children fare better, holding a 72-75% effectiveness rate.
“Vaccines may not be a perfect shield this year, but they remain the best line of defense,” Dr. Hayden said. “They still help reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, or even death, especially for those most at risk.”
Besides influenza, outbreaks of pneumonia linked to viruses such as rhinoviruses, enteroviruses, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae are driving a dramatic rise in respiratory-related emergency visits.
Pediatricians in the Alleghany Highlands have observed waves of sick children in local clinics and urgent care centers, with some schools implementing temporary measures to contain the spread.
Symptoms of influenza can include a sudden onset of fever, cough, sore throat, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea are more frequent in children. Pneumonia can manifest with cough, fever, chest pain, and trouble breathing, and, if untreated, both can result in life-threatening complications.
The CDC warns that people with flu are most contagious in the first three to four days of their illness, with young children and those with weakened immune systems able to spread the virus for even longer. Health officials emphasize that treatment with prescription antiviral drugs can reduce the severity and duration of the flu, particularly when initiated within two days of symptom onset.
To stem the rising tide, state and local health departments have launched public information campaigns urging residents to get vaccinated, practice respiratory hygiene, and seek medical attention for severe symptoms.
“Simple steps like staying home if you’re sick, wearing a mask in crowded places, and washing hands frequently can protect you, your family, and others in the community,” said the Virginia Department of Health. “We especially want to help prepare the elderly, children, and those with underlying health issues of this potential threat.”
The Alleghany Highlands and the greater Virginia region are closely monitoring hospital capacity, as the holidays and school reopenings are expected to drive case numbers even higher. Health experts urge parents, educators, and care facility operators to prioritize both routine and seasonal vaccines for children and at-risk residents, and for clinicians to consider early use of antivirals in high-risk populations.
As public health agencies continue close surveillance on rising case numbers, residents are advised to follow local recommendations and stay alert for updates.
“Getting vaccinated as soon as possible remains the single most important action people can do to protect themselves and their families,” says Virology experts.
