One of the hallmarks of Hawaii is our sense of ohana, of taking care of one another. And as the flu season nears its peak, it is becoming clear that we need to act collectively now to care for one another, because this is no ordinary year.
One of the benefits we have of living in Hawaii is we get the flu season later than mainland states, so we can see trends before they arrive here. Based on what is already happening on the mainland, this flu season is predicted to be the worst in a decade. Mainland hospitals are converting conference rooms and recovery space for patient care, putting up mobile patient care areas under tents on their grounds, and rescheduling elective surgeries in an effort to free up enough space for flu patients.
That doesn’t mean we need to sit by and wait for this to happen here. It means we got a glimpse into the future and it’s not too late to change it.
In this extraordinary year for flu, it is important that each of us take a few steps to do our part to keep flu in check. That’s not just because you don’t want to get sick. It’s also so that your elderly neighbor, your co-worker, and the infant next door don’t get sick. And so that when you or your loved one faces a life-threatening illness or injury, there is room at the hospital emergency department to treat you.
As much as none of us likes to have the flu, the risks can go beyond discomfort and inconvenience. Flu can be fatal. Since October of last year, 192 people have died in Hawaii from flu or pneumonia.
What can you do? It starts with prevention. If you haven’t gotten the flu vaccine yet, it’s not too late. Check with your doctor, insurance provider or pharmacist — flu vaccines are widely available and often at no or low cost to you.
Washing your hands frequently is one of the most effective ways of cutting down on the spread of flu. If you get sick, stay at home. Don’t send a sick child to school. If you are sick with the flu and must go out, wear a surgical mask (they are widely available at drug stores).
Your first line of flu response should be to call your doctor’s office, visit an urgent care center, a minute clinic, or talk to a doctor via telemedicine. Many Hawaii insurance plans now offer telemedicine as an option by which you can talk to a doctor face to face over video. High-risk individuals, people who have complicating factors such as asthma, or who are elderly, or pregnant, should see their doctor in person right away, or visit an emergency room if necessary.
Hawaii residents are terrific at working together to achieve great things. If everyone does something, we can prevent our hospital emergency rooms from being overrun with flu patients, and we can prevent people — our kupuna and keiki alike — from getting sick. Let’s show the nation how much we care about ourselves and our ohana.
Hilton Raethel is CEO of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii.
