The Hawaii Department of Health reports that COVID-19 is spreading again, and doctors and hospitals are seeing enough people suffering from the viral illness to cause concern. More than 9 in 100 medically reported COVID-19 tests have been coming up positive in recent weeks, DOH reports. That’s a 9% statewide positivity rate — and that’s not good.
That means it’s time to get the latest COVID vaccine — and other recommended vaccines too, while you’re at it. Other highly contagious respiratory illnesses are also beginning to circulate. Seasonal flu and respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV) consistently pose serious risks, and RSV is particularly dangerous for infants and older adults.
The West Coast Health Alliance recommends that
everyone over 6 months old get a flu shot. Keiki 6 to 23 months old and adults over 65 should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine formulation, as should all women who are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant or postpartum, those with risk factors, those in close contact with others at risk and “all who choose to reduce risk of severe illness.” All younger than 8 months or above 75 years old should get the RSV jab. Consult your doctor if in doubt.
As for COVID-19: A 9% rate means transmission is
elevated — actively spreading. Since testing is likely to capture mostly symptomatic people, it also indicates that there are probably plenty of people infected with the COVID-19 virus who aren’t feeling sick, but can pass the virus to someone else who is vulnerable to more
serious illness.
Public health monitors look for a positivity rate below 5% to indicate that an outbreak is “under control” — not spreading to any great extent. But rates are above the
average for Honolulu, hitting 10%, and Kauai’s rate has jumped to a concerning 13.3%. Hospitalizations have risen to a weekly average of 24 patients per day, DOH
reports, with an upward curve in new admissions.
Note that an average of two patients per day who are testing positive for COVID-19 are requiring intensive care — meaning the risks for these people are potentially life-threatening. A mid-August outbreak at Honoka‘a
Hospital rapidly spread to 35 long-term patients and 17 staff members. This is not a “no worries” situation. While most people won’t get severely ill from a COVID-19 infection with the virus’s latest mutation, it’s still a life-or-death worry for some — and even mild COVID infections can cause side effects and even longterm difficulties, if rarely.
With the relative quiet of recent months, many of us hoped COVID worries and spread of the virus would
become a historical footnote. Federal guidance has certainly been nonchalant. But as island residents, we have special concerns. Many of us live in multi-generational households, where elderly relatives share spaces with keiki — and both groups are at risk. Hawaii’s isolated healthcare system is vulnerable, too — hospitals can be easily strained when cases surge.
No one’s calling for a return to lockdowns or an economic freeze. Instead, common-sense vigilance is urged. For those at risk or anyone who wants to avoid infection, the best advice is straightforward: Wear protective masks in crowded indoor spaces or on flights, and mask up or avoid spaces with poor ventilation.
If you suspect you are infected, get tested at the first sign of symptoms to allow for early use of effective antiviral treatments such as Paxlovid. Most importantly, those who feel ill should stay home from work, avoid social gatherings, and skip family dinners to avoid passing an
illness on.
Fortunately, Hawaii has access to up-to-date, highly
effective vaccines for COVID-19, seasonal flu and RSV — offered on a walk-in basis at many local drugstores, clinics and by doctor’s referral. Protect yourself and those around you by getting these updated immunizations now, before fall and winter transmission spikes.
