Industry Insights

The CDC reports that doctor visits for flu-like symptoms have reached the highest level in nearly 30 years. According to the latest data:

• 11+ million flu illnesses this season
• 120,000+ hospitalizations
• 5,000+ flu-related deaths
• 45 states experiencing high to very high activity
• 44 pediatric deaths reported (90% were unvaccinated)

The weekly hospitalization rate peaked at 12.8 per 100,000 — the second highest since 2010-2011. Children under 18 have the highest hospitalization rate observed in over a decade.

Key Factor: A new flu strain called "subclade K" (H3N2) is driving the surge. This strain emerged after vaccine strains were selected, reducing vaccine effectiveness this season.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) continues to cause significant illness, particularly among young children and older adults:

• 22 states with growing or likely growing RSV infections
• 5 states showing decline
• 22 states stable
• ED visits and hospital admissions elevated for children ages 0-4

RSV remains a leading cause of hospitalizations for infants and can cause severe illness in adults over 65 and those with compromised immune systems.

While COVID-19 activity remains at moderate levels nationally, wastewater surveillance data indicates activity is trending upward. Healthcare providers should consider COVID-19 in patients presenting with respiratory symptoms.

Combined testing for COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV is recommended for symptomatic patients to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

New York State reported the highest number of flu hospitalizations ever recorded in a single week, with almost 1,000 more admissions compared to the prior week.

Massachusetts public health officials warned that "these viruses are serious, dangerous, and life-threatening" as hospitals experience capacity strain.

CDC Recommendations:

• Influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older
• Antiviral treatment for high-risk patients
• Testing to confirm diagnosis and guide treatment
• Stay home when sick to prevent spread

The synthetic opioid crisis continues to evolve, with new challenges for workplace safety and clinical testing:

• 6 out of 10 fentanyl-laced pills now contain a potentially lethal dose (up from 4 in 10 in 2021)
• Nitazenes emerging in drug supply — can be 10x stronger than fentanyl
• Synthetic opioids involved in 68% of all overdose deaths
• DOT may expand testing requirements for safety-sensitive positions

The Department of Homeland Security has updated guidance on synthetic opioid detection, including new information on nitazenes and improved testing methods.