February 27, 2026 – On February 6, 2026, the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) reported that flu exercise within the US was “elevated.” The CDC estimates that there have been at the very least 22 million diseases, 280,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 deaths for the reason that present flu season started in October 2025. Though the CDC reported final 12 months that flu exercise peaked in early February, well being care suppliers are planning for will increase in flu instances and potential surges all through the month.

Timothy Regan, MD, president and chief medical officer of Lakeland Regional Well being (a Cardinal Well being shopper), which incorporates Lakeland Regional Well being Medical Middle in Lakeland, Florida, stated the well being care system is sustaining a excessive stage of vigilance for a late-season flu surge.

“We’re always monitoring what is going on in our communities and testing all sufferers who present flu signs,” he stated. “We attempt to be versatile on mattress availability. A number of occasions a day, govt management meets to evaluate mattress capability and the way we will handle size of keep.”

One other a part of getting ready for late-season flu epidemics in healthcare methods and hospitals is guaranteeing sufficient medical provides and private protecting tools (PPE). One of many key classes from final 12 months’s late-season flu surge was the necessity to plan all through the season, stated Joan Smith, vice chairman of Operations (East Area), Cardinal Well being World Medical Merchandise and Distribution (GMPD).

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