Hospitals brace for COVID, flu season while managing IV fluid shortage

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - With the holiday season here, hospitals are preparing for an increase in sickness. However, an ongoing IV fluid shortage is not making it any easier.Many hospitals have had to conserve the fluids, while relying more on other forms of hydration for patients such as energy sports drinks, water and Pedialyte.The national shortage is a result of Hurricane Helene flooding Baxter, a health care company located in North Carolina. Damage from the storm resulted in the manufacturin