As a result of the flooding, Baxter halted production at its facility, creating a significant shortage of IV fluids across the nation.

The flooding caused by Hurricane Helene has led to the closure of Baxter International's plant in Marion, North Carolina, which produces about 60% of the intravenous solutions used daily in the U.S.

This shutdown has disrupted surgery schedules nationwide, with hospitals facing delays in elective procedures due to the lack of critical IV and sterile fluids.

Compounding the issue, hospitals are entering a busy season with increased patient admissions from cold and flu cases, further straining the already limited supply of IV fluids.

For instance, Mount Sinai Hospital is transitioning some patients from IV to oral medications while closely monitoring its IV inventory.

Health systems are adapting by conserving fluids, postponing non-emergency procedures, and switching patients who can tolerate oral fluids to alternatives like Gatorade or water.

The Biden administration has invoked the Defense Production Act to assist Baxter in rebuilding its facility and securing necessary materials.

In response to the shortage, the FDA has approved temporary imports of IV fluids from Baxter's international facilities and eased guidelines for compounding pharmacies.

Baxter aims to gradually restart production at its North Carolina facility by the end of the year, although there is no timeline for returning to full capacity.

Experts remain cautiously optimistic about improvements in supply, but uncertainty persists due to inconsistent shipments from Baxter.

Despite ongoing efforts to improve supply, uncertainty remains about the availability of IV fluids for hospitals and health systems.

Hospitals are implementing conservation measures, actively seeking available IV fluid products, and making clinical adjustments to manage the shortage.