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 severe illness from the flu, it is not 100 percent effective. Individuals who are vaccinated can still contract and spread the virus. Masking when symptoms are present provides an additional layer of protection.

Patients who need medical care should not delay treatment due to symptoms. Masks will be provided as needed and care teams will guide patients on next steps upon arrival.

Additional steps to limit the spread of the flu include frequent hand washing, staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes and getting an annual flu vaccine.

Patients can keep emer-gency rooms open for critical cases by choosing primary care or urgent care for symptoms of flu and other respiratory illnesses. Visitors experiencing flu-like symptoms are encouraged to consider postponing non-essential visits to hospitalized loved ones when possible.

This flu-related masking guidance will remain in effect while flu activity remains elevated in the region.