February 27, 2026- On Feb. 6, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that flu activity was “elevated” across the U.S. The CDC estimates that since the current flu season began in October 2025 there have been at least 22 million illnesses, 280,000 hospitalizations, and 12,000 deaths. Though last year, the CDC reported that flu activity peaked in early February, healthcare providers plan for increases in flu cases and potential peaks all month long.
Timothy Regan, MD, president and chief medical officer of Lakeland Regional Health (a Cardinal Health customer), which includes Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center in Lakeland, Florida, said the health system is maintaining a high level of vigilance for a late-season flu surge.
“We continually monitor what is going on in our communities and test all patients who present with flu symptoms,” he said. “We try to be nimble in terms of bed availability. Multiple times during the day, executive leadership meets to review bed capacity and to see how we can manage length of stay.”
Another part of preparedness for late-season flu surges at health systems and hospitals is ensuring there are adequate medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE). One of the key lessons from last year’s late-season flu surge was the need to plan for the duration of the season, according to Joan Smith, vice president, operations (east region), Cardinal Health Global Medical Products and Distribution (GMPD).
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