Flu Season Sounds Alarm Bells in the Northern Hemisphere
The Southern Hemisphere’s experience with flu, coming as it does directly before the Northern Hemisphere’s season, can act as a bellwether as to what the season in the U.S. and Europe will be like. This time, it didn’t look promising – a WHO report tracking the global situation regarding seasonal influenza stated that “in the Southern Hemisphere, some countries have had unusually long seasons compared to previous years, with virus activity remaining higher than usual in recent months.”1
One of the culprits of this increase in activity was a rise in detections of subclade K of influenza A(H3N2). This was the driver behind high levels in Australia and New Zealand in August 2025. A CIDRAP article in early January reported that “seasonal flu activity remains high across the [U.S.], and elevated levels are expected to continue for several more weeks. Hospital admissions for the flu rose this week, with 39,945 admitted, up from 33,301 patients last week. Eight flu-related pediatric deaths were reported this week, compared with one last week, including Louisiana’s first child flu death of 2026, for a U.S. season total of 17. Today's FluView report reflects eight new flu-related deaths in children nationwide, all in mid-December to early January. All were attributed to influenza A. Of the six deaths that had subtyping performed, all were caused by the H3N2 strain.”
Of course, flu is not the only respiratory illness to worry about. The same CIDRAP article pointed out that RSV levels are elevated across several regions, and while COVID activity “remains low at a national level,” activity is increasing.2
Hospitals and health systems face increased pressure during these months as more patients come through the doors. It places additional strain everywhere, from clinicians to supply chain to patients themselves. HPN spoke with Bridget Stovall, MSN, RN, from Cardinal Health to hear an expert’s opinion on how hospitals can brace themselves for what may prove to be a lengthy season with a late peak.
What lessons did clinicians learn during last year's respiratory illness season?
Stovall: Every respiratory season is a reminder of how vital it is to be prepared for potential surges of sick patients. This time of year can get very chaotic. If a facility is caught off guard during a surge, the negative impacts can be significant. Patients may experience substantial delays in treatment, even while providers are working around the clock.
Each hospital department plays a critical role in supporting positive outcomes for patients. From intake, to diagnostics, to protecting the facility’s most vulnerable patients, it’s important that every function is prepared to handle what a surge can bring. With thoughtful planning and the right medical products and solutions, facilities can stay nimble and maintain strong momentum throughout the entire season.
Are there any supply chain vulnerabilities that concern during this respiratory illness?
Stovall: Healthcare provider demands for personal protective equipment (PPE) can surge during peaks, potentially leading to supply shortages or delays in care. For example, while working in a hospital during the height of the pandemic, I had to use the same N95 face mask for several days straight due to supply concerns.
The uncertainty surrounding access to necessary PPE like face masks is something I hope clinicians never experience again. Those events underscored the critical importance of preparedness and resilient supply chains. Today, healthcare systems are leveraging lessons learned from the pandemic to strengthen inventory management, diversify sourcing, and proactively collaborate with trusted distributors.
To help maintain stable inventory levels, hospitals and healthcare facilities can work with distributors to leverage historical data and collaborate with supply chain teams to establish flexible ordering strategies. This shifts the burden away from providers. According to the Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA), providers who work with a distributor gain 30% more time and resources to devote to patient care. By prioritizing proactive planning and collaboration, healthcare facilities can ensure that frontline teams will have the protection they need to deliver safe, uninterrupted care, even during peak season.
How can clinicians prepare for a potentially prolonged respiratory illness season?
Stovall: Every department within a hospital or healthcare facility should maintain sufficient equipment to support patient care throughout the respiratory illness season and establish contingency plans to address unexpected supply shortages. These measures can help clinicians stay focused on delivering safe, effective treatment throughout a prolonged season without the added stress of resource uncertainty.
A few examples:
- The lab within a hospital or healthcare facility is a vital department, as it works with clinicians to support diagnostics and monitor patient illnesses. An unexpected surge in demand can lead to limited supply of critical products like diagnostic tests, backlogs in testing and longer wait times for results. Delayed diagnostic results can be extremely frustrating for clinicians and patients. In the absence of a timely diagnosis, providers cannot make informed treatment decisions, potentially leading to negative patient outcomes. Ensuring the facility is adequately stocked with critical diagnostic products can go a long way in supporting better patient outcomes and promoting lab efficiency. Rapid test kits help provide quick results, as they can be read by a clinician without having to go through a separate clinical lab. This speeds up diagnosis and treatment, particularly when conducted at the point of care, meaning at the patient’s bedside or where treatment is provided.
- Proper PPE for clinicians is essential for reducing flu transmission and the spread of germs. Healthcare facilities may consider prioritizing the supply and proper use of a variety of PPE products, including:
- N95 Respirators
- Procedural masks
- Exam gloves
- Infection control apparel including gowns, coveralls, footwear and more
- Face shields and eye protection
How can clinicians advise their patients for avoiding respiratory illness and what patients can do when they're sick?
Stovall: Educating patients is a simple, yet effective way to help prevent respiratory illness. Providers can share seasonal reminders with patients, emphasizing critical habits such as covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands correctly and often, and staying home and away from others when sick.
Facilities and clinicians can further support these efforts by providing masks and hand sanitizer and cleaning frequently touched surfaces like counters, handrails and doorknobs to protect both patients and staff. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers free, printable educational posters that can be displayed in highly visible areas. Overall, creating and promoting a healthy environment for patients, visitors, and providers can help protect everyone in high-risk environments.
Sick patients should avoid others, prioritize rest and drink plenty of fluids. If symptoms persist, they should consider calling a healthcare provider or visiting urgent care. CDC recommends that sick patients should only go to the emergency room if they are experiencing severe symptoms or if they are in a high-risk group, which includes young children, people 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions. This will allow hospitals to better prioritize patients during a very busy time of year.
What can be done to mitigate burnout among clinicians as the season wears on?
Stovall: This time of year can take a toll on clinicians both mentally and physically. It can often feel like a revolving door with so many patients. As soon as one is discharged, another is ready to be seen. Long hours, increased demand and critical decision-making can significantly add to workplace stress.
Clinicians should keep self-care top-of-mind during this busy time. When not working, it is helpful to de-stress and make time for enjoyable activities with family or friends. The American Nurse Association (ANA) suggests that periodically disconnecting from work when possible is important for preventing burnout. Engaging in pleasant experiences outside of work gives clinicians a chance to relax and recharge physical and emotional reserves.
According to the ANA, emotional support is also essential to manage the stress of workplace demands and the mental load of patient care. Establishing a strong support system and maintaining open communication with colleagues can be invaluable.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends clinicians prioritize their own physical health by eating nutritiously, resting as much as possible and exercising. Focusing on good habits and stress management can help clinicians stay healthy and ready to give their best during respiratory season.
Generally, what should supply chain leaders be thinking about to weather a potentially long respiratory illness season?
Stovall: Demands for supplies like PPE can surge during peak respiratory illness season. To help maintain stable inventory levels, supply chain leaders can work with distributors to leverage historical data and collaborate with supply chain teams to establish flexible ordering strategies. This shifts the burden away from providers.
Specialized handling capabilities within the healthcare supply chain, such as cold storage and chemical vaults, are essential to safeguarding the potency and efficacy of certain life-saving medicine and medical products. Thousands of medical products such as vaccines, penicillin, IV solutions, laboratory products and medical devices, must often travel through the supply chain with strict storage and shipping conditions to maintain their integrity. Choosing a trusted distribution partner with robust specialized handling capabilities means that vaccines can be administered with confidence, lab diagnostic tests are reliable, and medical treatments are safe and effective.
Anything else our readers should know?
Stovall: With thoughtful planning and a focus on prevention, facilities can be well-equipped to meet the challenges of flu season and maintain a safe, healthy environment. A comprehensive mitigation plan should consider the distinct needs of clinicians, patients and individual hospital departments.
A medical products team helps providers stay ready with essential solutions, including support for clinical labs, PPE, and safety-engineered devices for vaccine administration.
The clinical lab’s daily supply needs can shift quickly during seasonal surges, making it challenging to predict how much to order before the season starts. To mitigate the risk of supply shortages, a reserved inventory program gives labs the option to secure their preferred diagnostic products when they need them, even during an unexpected rush in demand. Participating providers have inventory reserved exclusively for them, located close to their facility for prompt delivery, helping to prevent unexpected stockouts.
Vaccination programs are also a key part of respiratory season preparedness, often managed by hospitals and/or healthcare facilities. Having the right products and a plan in place helps ensure facilities are equipped to deliver vaccines and do so safely. The planning process should include hands-on training for those administering vaccines to reduce the potential for accidents.
The CDC estimates up to 88% of sharps injuries can be prevented by choosing safer medical devices. Safety-engineered devices around sharps are designed to decrease the risk of needlestick injuries, minimize exposure to blood and bodily fluid, and comply with OSHA regulations.
Examples of this technology include:
- Safety needles with integrated and robust shields that cannot easily be removed and are activated with one hand to help prevent accidental needlestick exposures.
- Blunt-tip and cannula needles designed with a blunt point to reduce risks of injury.
- Disposable sharps containers with lids that allow for one handed disposal, forced horizontal drop and counterbalanced lids to prevent access to sharps once they’re disposed.
References:
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"Seasonal influenza - Global situation." World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON586
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"US respiratory virus activity reaches high levels as flu, RSV spread." CIDRAP. Bergeson, Laine. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv/us-respiratory-virus-activity-reaches-high-levels-flu-rsv-spread
Avoiding seasonal setbacks with smarter hand hygiene in healthcare
By Daniel Beaird
As cold and flu season ramps up, healthcare facilities are entering one of the most operationally challenging periods of the year. Staffing shortages, rising costs, and increased scrutiny tied to infection-related readmissions are colliding with the continued threat of emerging pathogens. In hospitals and long-term care settings, even minor lapses in hand hygiene can have an outsized effect on patient safety, staff well-being, and financial performance.
HPN recently spoke with Deborah Chung, regional marketing manager for healthcare at Essity, about how healthcare leaders can better prepare their facilities for seasonal surges.
According to Chung, the pressures facing healthcare organizations during cold and flu season are intensifying. “Many facilities are dealing with staffing shortages, rising operational costs, and now stricter penalties tied to infection-related admissions,” she said. “In settings like hospitals and long-term care facilities, even a small lapse in hygiene can create a trickle effect that impacts workflow and financial performance.”
Preparation, she noted, starts with a proactive approach to hygiene, one that enables organizations to operate more efficiently while protecting patients and staff. Nearly half of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are linked to poor hand hygiene, making it a critical area of focus. High-capacity dispensers, standardized placement, and science-based training programs can improve compliance and reduce unnecessary strain on staff.
Technology is also playing an increasingly important role. Chung pointed to growing adoption of digital tools, including AI-enabled and connected systems, that help address workforce gaps. “Eighty-eight percent of healthcare managers agree that investing in digital solutions can help offset workforce challenges,” she said. Digital training platforms designed for frontline environmental services teams can reinforce best practices while supporting consistency across shifts and departments.
Training, Chung emphasized, must go beyond one-time education. Engaging, ongoing training is essential for driving lasting behavior change. She recommends keeping content visual and concise, connecting hygiene practices to real-world outcomes, and incorporating hands-on learning with the products staff use every day. “When teams understand how their actions protect vulnerable patients, hygiene becomes a shared responsibility,” she said.
Another often-overlooked consideration is inclusive hygiene, particularly in restrooms across healthcare facilities. Chung explained that inclusive hygiene goes beyond regulatory compliance to address usability, comfort, and dignity for a wide range of users. “Over half of visitors encounter some kind of challenge in public restrooms,” she said, citing issues such as loud hand dryers or dispensers that are difficult to use for people with limited dexterity or sensory sensitivities.
Inclusive hygiene strategies encourage healthcare organizations to ask broader questions: Does the space feel safe and welcoming? Is it easy to navigate? Does it support privacy and comfort? Chung pointed to inclusive hygiene playbooks, informed by feedback from users, cleaners, and facility managers, as a practical way to make incremental improvements that benefit everyone.
Ultimately, Chung said, preparing for cold and flu season is about building a resilient foundation. When hygiene is intuitive and accessible, staff can spend more time on patient care, patients feel safer, and facilities are better positioned to weather the busiest, and riskiest, months of the year.
