Now, More Than Ever

1) Flu activity is climbing nationwide

• U.S. CDC-reported indicators point to a season that’s already significantly higher than this time last year, with rising hospitalizations and outpatient visits discussed in reporting. ^[1]
• Why it matters: When flu waves spike, everyday systems get stressed—schools, workplaces, urgent care, and pharmacies. A little prep now saves a lot of chaos later.

What you should do (household-ready in 20 minutes)

• Build a “sick-day bin” (one small tote): thermometer, electrolyte packets, tissues, fever reducers (as appropriate), disinfecting wipes, and a couple of easy meals.
• Plan for a 48-hour “one person down” scenario: If a caregiver gets sick, who handles meals, school pickup, or a pharmacy run?
• Know your red flags: Difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, dehydration, or worsening symptoms—have an urgent care/after-hours plan saved in your phone.

2) Childhood vaccine schedule updated—major controversy

• HHS announced CDC action to update the childhood immunization schedule following a presidential directive and review. ^[2]
• Reporting describes the changes as reducing broad recommendations for several vaccines (moving toward high-risk or shared decision-making), with substantial pushback from many public health experts. ^[3][4]
• Why it matters: Regardless of where you stand, changes like this can create confusion fast—especially for parents trying to keep kids compliant for school/childcare requirements.

What you should do (practical, non-political)

• Check your state/school requirements before assuming anything changed for enrollment—policy guidance and local requirements aren’t always the same thing.
• Keep a clean record: store immunization PDFs in your phone + cloud folder; print a copy for emergency paperwork.
• Use a single trusted point of care: if you’re unsure what applies to your family, ask your pediatrician/clinic to summarize “what’s recommended for us” in writing.

3) Congress moves on funding with a late-January deadline ahead

• Appropriators released a multi-bill spending package as a first step to prevent a shutdown if funding isn’t extended or finalized by late January. ^[5]
• Congressional research reporting also notes the continuing appropriations timeline running into the end of January. ^[6]
• Why it matters: Shutdown risk can affect “everyday” things—processing times, certain services, travel-related disruptions, and broader uncertainty for contractors and small businesses.

What you should do (if you run a household or a business)

• Screenshot/print critical confirmations: passport appointments, benefit notices, permit filings, and any time-sensitive government communications.
• Cash-flow buffer mindset: if your work touches federal contracts or processing timelines, pad schedules and keep a modest reserve for a “delay month.”
• Travel sanity check: if you have near-term travel, confirm IDs, reservations, and contingency contacts now—don’t wait for deadline-week news.

If something happened tonight—power outage, illness, or a weather issue—most people don’t need more gear. They need three lists:

• List 1: Who to call (family, neighbor, doctor, vet, landlord/HOA, insurance).
• List 2: Where things are (shutoff valves, breaker panel, spare keys, medical records, emergency cash).
• List 3: What to do first (10-minute checklist: charge devices, secure pets, fill a tub/container with water, pull flashlights, check on a neighbor).

Save these as a pinned note on your phone. It’s low-effort, high-impact preparedness.