According to healthcare experts, this flu season could be severe. There are a combination of factors including low vaccination rates, changes in vaccine guidelines, reduced immunity, and the unpredictable nature of the flu. All of these factors point to a difficult winter for staying healthy. Adding to this is that the CDC has shifted their COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, which may reduce uptake and increase hospitalizations.
One takeaway from last year is that even a “moderate” flu season can lead to thousands of deaths. For reference, from October 2024 to March 2025, the CDC reported at least 37 million influenza infections, 480,000 hospitalizations, and 21,000 deaths. This is not the year to be complacent.
Staying protected starts with making informed decisions. Vaccination remains a critical. However, it is just as important to monitor your health regularly, especially for older adults and those with chronic conditions. Since fever is an early sign of infection, regular and accurate temperature checks are vital to staying healthy.
Exergen’s Temporal Artery Thermometers including the TAT5000s and TAT-2000C are designed to support caregivers in clinical settings as well as at-home use. They are fast, non-invasive, and easy to use and require only a gentle swipe across the forehead to get a very accurate temperature reading. With patented infrared technology and its arterial heat balance technology, they provide clinically the highest accurate readings.
As flu, COVID-19, and RSV circulate vigilance is key. Early detection, like regular temperature monitoring, and timely care, can reduce complications and save lives.
Sources:
- Becker’s Hospital Review, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/pharmacy/uncertainty-on-covid-vaccine-access-looms-ahead-of-virus-season/
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