Quick answer: Flu season in Virginia usually runs from October through May. Cases typically start rising in November and peak between December and February. During the 2025–2026 season, respiratory illness in Virginia peaked in late December, with influenza A the most common strain and young children having the highest rate of ER visits. The best time to get your flu shot is now, before cases climb.

Last updated: October 2026. We update this page monthly using Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and CDC data so you know what to expect in Northern Virginia and Caroline County.

Current flu activity in Virginia

Flu activity in Virginia is usually low in October and starts rising in November. We will update this section each month with the latest Virginia Department of Health surveillance data.

  • Northern Virginia (Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax): nearest clinic is PACS Alexandria
  • Central Virginia (Caroline County, Ruther Glen, Fredericksburg area): nearest clinic is PACS Ruther Glen

When does flu season peak in Virginia?

Most seasons peak between December and February. Recent seasons in Virginia have peaked in December 2023, February 2025 and late December 2025. Flu can keep circulating into spring, so it’s never too late to protect yourself.

Looking back: the 2025–2026 season

  • Respiratory illness activity peaked in late December, when it made up about a quarter of ER visits in Virginia
  • Influenza A was the most commonly diagnosed type
  • Children ages 0 to 4 had the highest ER visit rate for respiratory illness
  • Health systems urged people not to delay care for symptoms

The lesson: young children and high-risk adults are hit hardest, and early action matters. See flu in kids and high-risk groups.

What to do now

1. Get your flu shot

It takes about 2 weeks to build protection. Read our flu shot guide, cost in Virginia and flu shots for kids.

2. Know the symptoms

Flu starts suddenly with fever, aches and exhaustion. See flu symptoms day by day and cold, flu or COVID.

3. Get tested early

A rapid flu test in the first 48 hours gives antiviral treatment the best chance to work.

4. Know when it’s an emergency

See flu warning signs.

5. Protect others

Stay home until fever-free for 24 hours (see how long to stay home). Employers can set up workplace flu shots.

Other viruses circulating this season

COVID-19 and RSV often rise at the same time as flu. A single visit can test for all three. Read about RSV in babies and older adults, flu and COVID shots together and stomach flu vs. food poisoning.

Frequently asked questions

When is flu season in Virginia?

Usually October through May, peaking between December and February.

Is flu bad in Northern Virginia right now?

See the current activity table above, updated monthly from VDH data.

Where can I get a flu test or flu shot near me in Virginia?

PACS Urgent Care offers walk-in flu tests and flu shots in Alexandria (open 7 days, 8 AM to 8 PM) and Ruther Glen.

Sources

Virginia Department of Health weekly respiratory disease surveillance reports (vdh.virginia.gov); CDC FluView (cdc.gov/flu); WVTF/WMRA reporting, January 2026.

Get care today at PACS Urgent Care

Walk in or book online at our Alexandria flu clinic (3481 N Beauregard St, open 7 days, 8 AM to 8 PM) or book at our Ruther Glen flu clinic (17067 Merchants Dr, Monday to Friday 8 AM to 8 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM). Prefer to stay home? Start with a telemedicine visit.

This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own clinician.