Alexandria Health Department urges residents to get vaccinated as respiratory illness season arrives

The Alexandria Health Department is encouraging residents to get vaccinated and practice healthy habits as cold and flu season approaches, officials announced Tuesday.

As temperatures drop, health officials warn that respiratory illnesses, including influenza, RSV, and COVID-19, typically increase, potentially leading to serious health complications, missed work and school days, and hospitalizations.

“These illnesses can be more than just annoying — they can cause serious health problems,” according to the health department’s announcement.

The department outlined current vaccine recommendations for Alexandria residents. The flu vaccine is approved and recommended for everyone 6 months and older, and officials urge residents to get vaccinated now. The RSV vaccine, a one-time shot, is approved for certain groups, including older adults and some pregnant individuals, and an RSV immunization is also available for babies and some children. Eligible residents should check their insurance coverage before getting vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccine is approved for everyone 6 months and older, and residents interested in the vaccine should consult with a pharmacist or health care provider about recommendations and availability.

More information about vaccines is available at alexandriava.gov/Vaccines.

Beyond vaccination, the health department recommends daily preventive habits, including washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable, covering coughs and sneezes with the inner elbow rather than hands, wearing masks for extra protection, regularly disinfecting high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs and handrails, and staying home when sick. Officials recommend waiting at least 24 hours after a fever subsides before returning to normal activities.

Residents who become ill should stay home and consider testing to determine their next steps. Free and low-cost COVID-19 tests remain available. Those with underlying health conditions should contact their doctor, who may prescribe antiviral treatments for COVID-19 or the flu if treatment is sought early or if the patient is at high risk for severe illness.

Residents needing help finding treatment can call the health department at 703-746-4988, where interpreters are available. Additional information is available on the health department’s flu season website and through the city’s eNews updates or social media channels.