As influenza activity rises across the U.S. in December 2025, hospitals are already seeing early pressure on pediatric emergency departments and inpatient units. According to the CDC’s FluView Influenza Surveillance, flu transmission is increasing earlier than typical seasons, driven largely by influenza A (H3N2)—a strain historically associated with higher hospitalization rates, including among children.
For hospital leaders, this early surge presents a familiar challenge: how to prepare pediatric inpatient spaces for rapid census growth—without sacrificing safety, efficiency, or family experience.
At Novum Medical Products, we work with hospitals nationwide to help pediatric units prepare not just clinically, but operationally—by optimizing inpatient environments to support staff, patients, and families during peak demand.
What Hospitals Should Expect in Early 2026
CDC FluSight forecasts project influenza-associated hospitalizations will continue rising into early January 2026, with peak weeks potentially reaching 8,300–40,000 new admissions nationally.
While these projections include all age groups, pediatric units often feel the impact first due to:
- Rapid spread in schools and childcare settings
- Lower physiologic reserve in young children
- Higher admission thresholds for respiratory symptoms
- Near-constant caregiver presence at the bedside
These factors place unique demands on pediatric inpatient space, furniture, and room configuration—especially during sustained surges.
Thought Leadership Insight: Pediatric Surge Readiness Is an Environment Issue
Flu surges are often planned around staffing and beds—but the physical environment is just as critical.
Pediatric admissions are family-centered by nature. When inpatient rooms are not equipped to support both clinical care and caregiver needs, hospitals experience:
- Slower room turnover
- Increased staff time spent sourcing furniture
- Reduced throughput during peak census periods
- Lower patient and family satisfaction scores
Optimized inpatient environments help hospitals absorb surges without expanding square footage or overextending staff.
What Pediatric Units Should Evaluate Before Peak Flu Season
Based on our work with hospitals preparing for respiratory surges, Novum recommends assessing:
Inpatient Beds & Recliners
Pediatric-appropriate beds and recliners that support:
- Safe positioning and infection control
- Family proximity without crowding the room
- Efficient staff access during high-acuity care
Family Accommodation Solutions
Overnight stays are the norm—not the exception—in pediatric care. Purpose-built:
- Sleeper chairs
- Day-beds
- Convertible seating
allow families to remain present while preserving clinical workflow and safety.
Flexible Room Layouts
Furniture that supports both short-stay and inpatient use allows pediatric units to:
- Adapt quickly to fluctuating census
- Reduce room reconfiguration time
- Maintain consistency of care during surges
Safe Patient Handling & Pediatric Accessories
Right-sized equipment reduces staff injury risk and supports safer care during high-volume periods.
Why Hospitals Partner With Novum Medical Products
Hospitals partner with Novum Medical Products because we understand that surge readiness isn’t just about adding beds—it’s about maximizing every room’s functionality.
Our pediatric and inpatient solutions are designed to:
- Support family-centered care
- Improve staff efficiency during peak demand
- Enhance patient safety and comfort
- Help hospitals scale capacity without costly renovations
Supporting Staff During Prolonged Respiratory Seasons
The CDC’s 2025–26 Respiratory Season Outlook warns that combined respiratory disease activity could rival recent high-impact seasons—raising concerns about staff fatigue and burnout.
Well-designed inpatient environments play a critical role in workforce sustainability by:
- Reducing unnecessary room adjustments
- Improving patient handling safety
- Allowing staff to focus on care—not logistics
Prepare Before the Surge, Not During It
Hospitals that wait until peak flu activity often face:
- Limited furniture availability
- Long lead times
- Reactive, suboptimal room setups
Early planning enables hospitals to act strategically—aligning equipment, space, and workflows before pediatric units reach capacity.
The Bottom Line
Pediatric flu trends in December 2025 are a leading indicator of what’s ahead. National data and forecasts suggest continued inpatient pressure through early 2026, with pediatric units likely to feel the strain first.
Hospitals that proactively align clinical planning with optimized inpatient environments and family accommodations will be better positioned to manage surges efficiently, protect staff, and deliver high-quality pediatric care.
At Novum Medical Products, we’re proud to support hospitals with thoughtfully designed inpatient solutions that help pediatric units perform at their best—especially when it matters most.