Flu levels higher in Hawaii compared with week before

The number of outpatient flu visits in Hawaii continues to remain higher than the national base line.

The weekly influenza surveillance report, which was posted online Friday by the state Department of Health for the week ending Jan. 27, found that 7.6 percent of outpatient visits in the state were related to influenzalike illness, higher than the previous week and higher than Hawaii’s historical base line. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention also reported Friday that influenza activity is on the rise overall in the nation, with the number of visits to the doctor hitting the same level in the U.S. as during the swine flu in 2009.

“Overall, flu is circulating in our community,” said state Epidemiologist Sarah Park. “There are people in different areas, to a different extent, seeing urgent care clinics and physicians.”

While flu can be detected year-round in the U.S. and often begins to increase in October, it peaks between December and February, and can last as late as May.

The CDC reported in its FluView weekly report ending Feb. 3 that the flu remained widespread in every state except Hawaii and Oregon.

During that week 10 more children were reported to have died from flu, bringing the nationwide total for the season to 63. Fortunately, no influenza-associated pediatric deaths so far have been reported in Hawaii during this flu season.

But the state needs to remain vigilant, said Park.

“There are a few cases here that are severe that are impacting the health of our community, impacting health care and emergency providers here,” she said. “We’re definitely seeing burden on health care providers.”

Two clusters of influenzalike illness activity were reported to the state Department of Health during week four, which ended Jan. 27. These clusters occurred at a long-term care facility and a school on Oahu, and included cases of influenza B.

Out of 2,107 specimens tested statewide for influenza viruses in week four, 629 tested positive, down from 659 the previous week.

Park said it is difficult to pinpoint when the flu season in Hawaii will ebb or peak.

“We might still be at the beginning,” she said. “It’s too difficult when you’re in the middle of it, like climbing a mountain and you can’t see the top of it.”

The state Health Department is partnering with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii (HAH), a nonprofit trade association, on a flu prevention campaign to prevent local hospitals and emergency rooms from becoming overrun by flu patients.

“We want to do whatever is possible to get ahead of it, to focus on prevention and best practices,” HAH President and CEO Hilton Raethel said.

That also means making sure health care staff are vaccinated or wearing masks and that non-­ high-risk individuals experiencing symptoms visit their primary physician, urgent care clinic or opt for telemedicine services instead of emergency rooms.

HAH is also partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association and AARP to help get the word out to kupuna, who are at greater risk, and their caregivers.

Park recommends that the public continue prevention practices, such as washing hands and staying home when sick — also, getting vaccinated, if one has not done so yet.

“It’s never too late to get vaccinated,” she said.