Norfolk, Va. – With widespread flu activity now reported across Virginia and North Carolina, area hospitals are collectively asking that patients and visitors to area healthcare facilities wear masks as a precaution against the spread of the flu.
The new measure is strongly recommended by all the major health care systems in the area. This includes hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, urgent care centers, branch clinics, associated physician practices, and including those seeking outpatient services at hospitals.
Two pediatric flu deaths confirmed in Virginia’s Eastern Region
Public health officials and experts are predicting a severe flu seasons since this year’s vaccine has been a poor match to the main flu strain circulating this year. That strain (H3N2) has historically caused severe disease.
Even if you have been vaccinated, you are still strongly encouraged to wear a mask when entering medical facilities.
Individuals displaying symptoms of influenza-like illness are asked not to visit patients at area hospitals.
Participating hospitals and emergency departments include:
Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center
Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital
Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center
Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View
Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters
Halifax Regional Hospital
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
Riverside Doctors’ Hospital
Riverside Regional Medical Center
Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital
Riverside Tappahannock Hospital
Riverside Walter Reed Hospital
Sentara Albemarle Medical Center
Sentara CarePlex Hospital and Orthopaedic Hospital at Sentara CarePlex
Sentara Leigh Hospital
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Sentara Heart Hospital
Sentara Obici Hospital
Sentara Princess Anne Hospital
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital
Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center
Sentara Freestanding Emergency Departments at BelleHarbour, Port Warwick, Independence, and Lake Ridge
Southampton Memorial Hospital
Martha Jefferson Hospital
Martha Jefferson Emergency Department at Proffit Road
Sentara RMH Medical Center
