UVA Health Mandates Masks as Flu Surges in Charlottesville

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The University of Virginia Health System implemented new flu protocols this week, requiring masks for anyone with respiratory symptoms like coughing, fever or runny nose at its facilities, including provider offices, urgent care and emergency departments. This move follows a spike in influenza cases across Central Virginia, with UVA reinforcing infection prevention amid surging flu activity reported by WSLS 10 News. The guidance applies regardless of vaccination status, and masks are provided on-site; symptomatic patients are directed not to delay care.

UVA infectious disease expert Frederick G. Hayden, MD, professor emeritus at the UVA School of Medicine, warns of a potentially severe 2025-26 flu season driven by a new H3N2 subclade K variant circulating in the U.S. This strain, from the same influenza A lineage as the 1968 pandemic, poses higher risks of hospitalization and death, especially for the elderly and young children; the prior 2024-25 season saw exceptional pediatric deaths nationwide. Vaccines offer limited protection this year—a poor match per early UK data showing 32%-39% effectiveness in adults—but still reduce severe illness risk, Hayden stresses.

In Charlottesville and Central Virginia, hospitals including UVA are advising frequent handwashing, staying home when sick, covering coughs and annual vaccination to curb spread. Flu activity remained low through Thanksgiving but accelerated per CDC updates, with experts predicting worsening post-holidays and school returns. Symptomatic visitors should postpone non-essential hospital trips, and high-risk groups consider preventive antivirals if exposed.