5 Questions to Guide Your PPE Preparedness Plan for the 2025–2026 Respiratory Season

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects the 2025–2026 U.S. respiratory disease season to have a similar combined number of peak hospitalizations from COVID-19, influenza, and RSV compared to last season.¹ Alongside these familiar threats, new concerns have emerged, including a surge in measles outbreaks and continued detection of avian influenza (H5N1) across bird and dairy populations.^2,3

While the combined peak is expected to be similar to 2024–2025 levels, uncertainty remains, particularly if a new SARS-CoV-2 variant emerges, an influenza subtype with more severe outcomes becomes more predominate, or there is lower vaccine uptake and effectiveness. These factors underscore the need for careful planning and readiness for potential surges.

As we approach the 2025–2026 season, the landscape of respiratory preparedness continues to evolve. Now is the time to reassess your PPE readiness and ensure your supply strategy reflects both seasonal patterns and emerging risks.

Here are five key questions to guide your planning.

1. What respiratory illnesses should we prepare for?

Healthcare facilities must be prepared for multiple respiratory viruses with varying transmission risks and seasonal trends:

Influenza (flu): CDC expects the 2025–2026 season to most likely be moderate in severity across all ages, though another high-severity season remains possible. Activity is expected to begin in October and peak between December and February.¹
COVID-19: CDC projects the 2025–2026 hospitalization peak to be similar to or higher than last season. A higher peak is possible if a variant with moderate immune-escape properties emerges this fall. Older adults and immuno-compromised patients remain at highest risk.¹
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Hospitalizations in 2025–2026 are expected to be within 20 percent of last season. The uptake of new immunizations for infants and older adults should continue to reduce severe outcomes, though winter surges remain possible.¹
Measles: More than 1,430 cases have been confirmed across 42 jurisdictions in 2025, with outbreaks concentrated in areas with low vaccination rates.²
Avian influenza (H5N1): Though rare in humans, H5N1 continues to be detected in birds and dairy cattle. Healthcare providers should remain alert to potential exposure risks.³

For surveillance data, visit the CDC’s Respiratory Disease Season Outlook, FluView, COVID-19 trackers and Measles Cases and Outbreaks.

2. What PPE is needed to protect staff and patients?

Choosing the right PPE starts with trusted, clinically backed products. HALYARD* offers a full range of solutions to help protect your staff, support infection control, and ensure supply reliability across all care settings:

Surgical or procedure masks for routine patient encounters
NIOSH-approved respirators (N95s) for aerosol-generating procedures or when caring for measles or COVID-19 patients
Face shields or goggles to protect eyes from splashes and sprays
Gloves for all patient contact and specimen handling
Isolation gowns when contact or fluid exposure risk is high

For airborne illnesses such as measles, staff should use N95 or higher-level respirators, full PPE ensembles (gown, gloves, face shield or goggles, and respiratory protection), and place patients in airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIRs) when available.^4-5
Every facility must maintain a written respiratory protection program that includes medical evaluations, fit testing, and yearly training.

Relevant Links for Updated Guidance:

For the latest CDC recommendations on respiratory virus prevention, including COVID-19 and flu, visit the CDC COVID-19 Information page and the CDC’s weekly FluView reports.
For OSHA’s guidance on workplace safety and health, refer to OSHA Guidance for Healthcare Workers.
For the latest CDC recommendations on respiratory virus prevention, including COVID-19 and flu, visit the CDC COVID-19 Information page and the CDC’s weekly FluView reports.
For OSHA’s guidance on workplace safety and health, refer to OSHA Guidance on Respiratory Protection.
For information on respiratory protection standards, visit the CDC’s Respiratory Protection Standard page.
For guidance on employer-provided personal protective equipment, check the CDC’s Employer-Provided PPE page.
For a list of NIOSH-approved respirators, consult the CDC’s Certified Equipment List.

3. How much PPE should we stock?

PPE stockpile planning should be guided by the following considerations:^4-5

Historical usage data from recent surges, such as the 2024-2025 season.
Typical season length, usually 12 to 16 weeks of heightened activity.
Pandemic planning guidance, including supplies for two waves and coverage for 2 percent of the population served.
Staff roles and volumes, spanning frontline, support and EMS teams.
Visitor and patient masking policies dictated by local transmission levels.

Rotate inventory using first-in, first-out procedures, monitor expiration dates, and review supplier capacity at least quarterly.

For more information on PPE conservation strategies visit the CDC’s Strategies to Optimize PPE Supplies and the CDC’s Pandemic Planning for Healthcare Settings.

4. How should we prepare for co-circulating respiratory viruses?

With flu, RSV, COVID-19, and measles likely to circulate together, a layered strategy is essential:

Enforce universal PPE protocols during peak transmission.
Strengthen environmental hygiene and surface disinfection.
Deploy flexible staffing to handle department-specific surges.
Optimize ventilation and physical distancing in shared areas.
Communicate frequently with staff and patients about evolving risks.

For measles cases, the CDC calls for immediate airborne precautions, including AIIR isolation and full PPE.²
For detailed guidance and resources, refer to the following:

5. How should PPE be stored and managed?

Effective management extends the life and readiness of your stockpile:

Store supplies in climate-controlled, clean areas per manufacturer guidelines.
Rotate inventory using First In, First Out (FIFO) to prevent expiration.
Train staff on proper donning, doffing and respirator fit.
Track usage trends to spot sudden increases in demand.
Develop mutual-aid agreements with nearby facilities for crisis sharing.

For detailed guidance on PPE storage, inventory management, and training, refer to the following CDC and OSHA resources:
• Strategies for Conserving the Supply of all Personal Protective Equipment in Healthcare

Need help estimating quantities?
Contact your HALYARD* representative for a customized PPE forecast that matches your facility’s size, staffing levels and seasonal risk profile.