Area hospitals are warning residents that a serious flu and respiratory illness surge is straining emergency departments across Northern Virginia, prompting health leaders to urge patients with mild to moderate symptoms to seek care outside hospital emergency rooms when possible.
Hospitals across Virginia and Northern Virginia are reporting a significant increase in flu and other respiratory illnesses, putting pressure on emergency departments and extending wait times for patients.
As the New Year begins, the Rappahannock Area Health District is encouraging residents to take small, steady steps toward healthier living in 2026. The agency, which serves Fredericksburg and the surrounding region, shared a list of simple wellness habits and local health programs to help residents stick to their resolutions.
Interim Health Director Dr. David C. Rose emphasized starting with manageable goals. “Together, we can make 2026 a year of stronger bodies and calmer minds,” Rose said in a press release. Tips include getting at least 150 minutes of exercise weekly, eating more fruits and vegetables, prioritizing sleep and stress management, and keeping up with regular health screenings.
“The words ‘thank you’ seem insufficient,” Prince William Times reported, quoting Gov. Glenn Youngkin at Tuesday’s grand opening. “For the sacrifices that each of you have made in order to preserve the freedoms and the liberties that we hold dear, that oftentimes we take for granted.”
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“Inova is expanding its health care operations in eastern Prince William County with a new outpatient health center near Potomac Mills,” InsideNoVa reported. “The Inova Health Center–Woodbridge – opening in the former Stratford University building – will welcome patients Dec. 9.”
“Hospital representatives said the facility is designed to bring a full range of coordinated services under one roof, making it easier for patients to access quality care in a single location.”
UVA Health has officially opened its new multispecialty clinic, UVA Health Specialty Care Manassas, at 8691 Stonewall Road. The move brings together its former OB/GYN and urology practices — formerly located on Sudley Road and Forestwood Lane — under one modern roof.
That consolidation, which began taking patients on August 18, 2025, gives the Manassas community — and patients of UVA Health Prince William Medical Center — a more convenient, spacious, and coordinated outpatient experience.
Flu vaccines will be available for free this Saturday, November 1, at Metz Middle School in Manassas. The clinic will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 9950 Wellington Road, and no appointment is necessary.
The event is open to anyone age three and older. Organizers will also offer $100 gift card giveaways throughout the day.
“Since August, RAHD has investigated three separate outbreaks at both child daycare facilities and elementary schools across the district,” the Rappahannock Area Health District announced. “The Virginia Department of Health is seeing an increase in HFMD emergency department and urgent care visits, as well as an increase in reported HFMD outbreaks across the state in 2025.”
“While seen frequently this time of year, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease can be very distressing to both child and parent,” said Dr. David Rose, Interim Health Director for RAHD. “It is able to spread quickly, especially in group settings such as daycares and schools, and so it is important for parents to keep their children home while sick.”
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center will offer free flu shots during a drive-thru event on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The clinic will take place in the hospital’s main parking lot at 2300 Opitz Boulevard in Woodbridge. Adults 18 and older can receive their flu shot without leaving their vehicles.
The event runs rain or shine and is first-come, first-served while supplies last. No appointment is necessary. Sentara staff will be on-site to provide both standard flu vaccines and a limited number of Fluad high-dose shots for seniors age 65 and older.
Senator Tara Durant (R-27, Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania) has teamed up with Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) to invest in mental health resources across Virginia. As part of the state’s “Right Help, Right Now” initiative, the partnership will fund new crisis receiving centers and stabilization units to give Virginians faster access to behavioral health services.
Locally, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board will receive $5.5 million to enhance care in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, King George, and Caroline counties. The funding will support the purchase of a new commercial property, relocation and modernization of the Sunshine Lady House adult stabilization unit in Fredericksburg, and the creation of new youth crisis care facilities. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new center is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, just off Route 1 near the Lee’s Hill Goodwill Donation Center, near Four Mile Fork.
The University of Mary Washington and Mary Washington Healthcare are joining forces to create what could become the Fredericksburg region’s first medical school — a plan leaders say would directly confront the area’s growing shortage of physicians and healthcare workers.
University President Dr. Troy Paino and Dr. Christopher Newman, Chief Executive Officer of Mary Washington Healthcare, presented their proposal to the Fredericksburg City Council on Tuesday, describing an ambitious vision for a community-based medical school that would train doctors to stay and practice in Virginia.
