As the latter part of 2024 commences, the healthcare community faces the perennial challenge of preparing for flu season. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this year’s flu season is projected to have moderate cases and hospitalizations across all ages.1 The CDC also predicts that the peak hospitalization rate due to influenza will be similar or lower than the 2023-2024 season rate of 8.9 weekly confirmed hospitalizations per 100,000.2
For hospitals, health systems and medical workers alike, it is crucial to review your historical volumes and also evaluate your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplier. Having a reliable manufacturer to maintain PPE stock levels can be essential in preventing viral spread. Taking proactive measures against the flu and other viruses that thrive during the late fall/winter season, such as ensuring an adequate supply of PPE, can help you become better prepared as cases rise.
The 2024 Flu Outlook
Due to the expected moderate cases and hospitalization outlook, increased patient volumes and hospitalizations may put a strain on resources and challenge the capacity of healthcare providers. Healthcare facilities should start to prepare to effectively manage the expected surge in patient volumes and take precautions to mitigate the spread of influenza and other surging viruses during this time.
Why Proper PPE Preparation is Crucial
- Allows Continuity of Care: Healthcare professionals are the backbone of any healthcare system and during severe flu seasons, the risk of healthcare worker absenteeism due to illness is high. With proper amounts of PPE in stock, hospitals and outpatient facilities can be confident that their staff are protected from infection, allowing them to continue providing care without interruption and ensuring that patient care is not compromised.
- Prevents In-Hospital Transmission: Hospitals and outpatient facilities are environments with high patient turnover and close contact. Having enough of PPE on hand can help ensure that all interactions – whether between healthcare workers and patients or among patients themselves – are as safe as possible, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.
- Supports Efficient Operations: During peak flu season, demand for PPE can surge, leading to supply shortages. Finding a new vendor to meet last minute needs can be challenging. Some suppliers have long lead times and usually cater to existing customers first. Therefore, a trusted PPE vendor is essential; someone you can partner with so your healthcare facility is not caught off guard and can operate efficiently without scrambling for essential supplies.
- Streamlines Emergency Responses: In the event of an outbreak, having a readily available PPE inventory allows for a swift and effective response, reducing the time and logistical challenges associated with procuring supplies during a crisis.
PPE Recommendations for the 2024 Flu Season
Considering the anticipated severity of this year’s flu season, the CDC recommends that healthcare facilities prioritize the following PPE items:
- N95 Respirators: Provide a sufficient stock of N95 respirators for healthcare workers performing aerosol-generating procedures or caring for patients with suspected or confirmed influenza.
- Face Masks: Face masks or earloop masks should be available for all healthcare workers and patients to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets.
- Gloves and Gowns: Use gloves and gowns when in contact with patients who are suspected or confirmed to have the flu to minimize the risk of transmission through contact.
- Face Shields and Eye Protection: Protect against splashes and sprays of infectious material, particularly in settings with high patient turnover and close contact.
Owens & Minor is dedicated to providing essential products and services that support care from the hospital to the home. The Owens & Minor Global Products Division provides clinically-superior solutions that are essential for our healthcare customers to do what they do best – provide superior patient care. Together, we can ensure a safer, healthier flu season for everyone. Let’s stay protected, prepared and healthy to face the 2024 flu season.
To learn more about Owens & Minor’s product offerings visit https://www.owens-minor.com/products/.
Sources
1. 2023-2024 United States Flu Season: Preliminary In-Season Severity Assessment, CDC (2024)
2. 2024-2025 Respiratory Disease Season Outlook, CDC (2024)