Hampton Roads is experiencing a significant increase in flu activity this season, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and regional health surveillance reports. In response, area hospitals and health care systems are reinforcing masking guidance and infection prevention measures across care settings to help protect patients, visitors and staff from the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and RSV. Riverside and Sentara health systems are now requiring masking for everyone who is experiencing flu-like symptoms in their facilities. These symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, chills, fatigue and, in some cases, vomiting or diarrhea. In addition to masking, these patients must notify the front desk of their symptoms upon arrival. This requirement applies even if the patient has received their annual flu vaccine. While vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of s...