Inova seeing a surge in patients

Patient volumes continue to surge at Inova hospitals, due to a spike in the flu, Covid-19, RSV, and other illnesses following the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Fairfax County Health Department reports a rapid increase in RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) infections since early September.

“Inova’s hospitals are experiencing unprecedented patient volumes and strain on hospital capacity,” the hospital system reports. The surge is having the biggest impact on emergency departments, with many hospitals operating over capacity.

Inova Health System says it is equipped to handle the current surge but asks the public to take these steps to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases:

• Get vaccinated for both flu and Covid and boosted for Covid if eligible.
• Continue to practice hand hygiene, masking, and social distancing as appropriate.
• Stay home and away from others if you or your children are not feeling well.

Inova suggests people with symptoms go to its free-standing medical clinics rather than hospital emergency rooms – unless it’s a life-threatening medical emergency. The clinics “provide the same level of emergency care and may have shorter wait times.” The closest one is at the Inova HealthPlex – Franconia-Springfield.