HealthFirst Talks: COVID-19 Updates and Influenza Trends

 

With COVID-19 cases, deaths, and hospitalizations rising, what role will influenza play this season? Will all the extra precautions reduce flu numbers? And how is the story of COVID-19 and the flu playing out in practices? Answering these questions and more are three medical experts: Dr. Scott Cohen, Chief Medical Information Officer and Chief Performance Improvement Officer for Bassett Healthcare Network, Dr. John Graham, physician and orthodontist practicing in Salt Lake City, and Dr. Fiona Collins, dentist and international speaker and author.

“A worrisome perspective is hitting millions of cases in just a few days as of late,” Dr. Cohen said.

However, these higher numbers aren’t necessarily in healthcare workers. Dr. Graham shared that a new Journal of American Dental Association study of dentists found a .9% infection rate. “It’s a remarkably low number considering the CDC put dental hygienists and dentists as high exposure populations doe to the nature of the job. It’s a testament to the extraordinary effort above and beyond infection control.”

Dr. Cohen also noted that his organization only has a 2% positivity rate, whereas the general population is 3%. “Even though we’re exposed to COVID almost every day, we do a lot to protect ourselves, patients, and families,” he said.

With all the vigilance around COVID-19 and observation of universal precautions more tightly, this year’s flu season could be less infectious.

Dr. Cohen said, “I’ve seen a few cases of co-infection. We’re looking at data on the flu from the southern hemisphere, showing less transmission. We can follow that trend with precautions but might not if people don’t wear masks or gather in large groups.”

All three experts agree that getting the flu shot is highly recommended. “One thing to consider is that the flu isn’t a mild disease. People die from it, and if not getting a flu shot could lead to hospitalization, and that’s a bed gone for a COVID-19 patient. The flu is much more preventable,” Dr. Collins commented.

Listen to the entire discussion now.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @MarketScale
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Recent Episodes

As healthcare continues to evolve in response to post-pandemic challenges, workforce shortages, and an ongoing mental health crisis, the institutions that support the backbone of healthcare—hospitals—are under immense pressure. In Texas, where geographic and demographic diversity create unique complexities, the role of hospital associations in steering policy and support services is more vital than…

In today’s world, where instant delivery and ride-sharing are everyday norms, healthcare access still lags behind. Patients now wait an average of 31 days to see a specialist in major U.S. cities—a 19 percent jump since 2022—according to AMN Healthcare’s 2025 survey. The stakes are high: delays can lead to worsening conditions, increased ER visits,…

In this episode of Care Anywhere: The Global Health Workforce Podcast, host Lea Sims welcomes Geoffrey M. Roche, SVP of Healthcare Solutions at Risepoint and a lifelong advocate for healthcare workforce development. With a career shaped by his mother’s journey as a nurse, Geoff shares how personal inspiration, industry insight, and bold leadership are reshaping…