Hurricane Helene Causes IV Fluid Shortage

Hurricane Helene's devastation has led to significant shortages of intravenous (IV) fluids across the United States, as Baxter International's manufacturing plant in North Carolina was forced to shut down. The storm damaged the facility, which supplies approximately 60% of the nation’s IV solutions, resulting in hospitals delaying surgeries and using alternatives like Gatorade for rehydration. Health authorities are implementing conservation strategies, and some states are urging federal action to address the supply crisis. While Baxter has restarted some production lines, full recovery is not expected until late November, causing ongoing impacts on healthcare services. Hospitals in regions like Wisconsin and Texas are adjusting to the shortage, with some postponing elective surgeries and others exploring alternative suppliers. The medical community continues to monitor the situation, emphasizing the need for reliable access to IV fluids to maintain patient care standards.