Healthcare leaders are faced with difficult decisions heading into this flu season, which has been predicted to be a severe one. 

The impending influenza season is on the minds of healthcare leaders, and this year may be a difficult one. A recent not-yet peer-reviewed study predicts &ldquo;a large compensatory influenza season in 2021-2 due to a light season in 2020-21&rdquo; (Lee et al.). Given the potential of a patient caseload for seasonal flu running concurrently with the COVID-19 caseload, healthcare organizations will need to plan for a significant strain on the operational and staffing functions. Further, the two diseases may even result in a multiplier effect as the population most at risk of complications from seasonal flu are also those at highest risk from COVID-19.

This year&rsquo;s flu season could quickly turn into a very challenging situation for our country&#39;s healthcare system. The critical need to plan now for a demanding, prolonged, and complex patient care event cannot be overlooked or underestimated.

As a trusted healthcare staffing partner to health systems and facilities around the country, Cross Country Healthcare conducted a 2020 survey of healthcare executives to uncover strategies to prepare for such an event. <a href="https://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/docs/covid%20flu%202020%20report.pdf">Download our report</a> to learn more about how facilities and systems are preparing for this potential perfect storm.

Need staffing support to help you navigate the Delta surge and flu season? <a href="https://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/staffinghelp">We are here to help</a>.

COVID-19 and Seasonal Flu: Preparing for a Potential Perfect Storm