Influenza has begun circulating in Hawaii and the state Department of Health is advising residents it’s vaccination time.
Ron Balajadia, chief of the DOH Immunization Branch, said the best way to temper the spread of flu is through vaccination. He also advises staying home from work or school when sick, covering a cough or sneeze with a tissue or crook of an arm sleeve and washing hands well and often.
“We actually can minimize the spread of disease,” Balajadia said.
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by viruses.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s influenza summary showed Wednesday that Hawaii is one of the states with localized flu activity. This year, most states already have at least sporadic cases of influenza.
“Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months and older and is the most effective way to reduce the risk of getting sick with seasonal flu and spreading it to others,” the DOH flu surveillance report says. “Influenza vaccination can reduce illnesses, visits to the doctor, influenza-related hospitalizations and missed work and school days.”
For some, the flu also can be fatal. In 2015, the most recent year from which statistics are available, 557 people died from influenza in Hawaii, according to the CDC.
Last year’s flu vaccine was 34 percent effective against influenza A and 56 percent effective against influenza B, according to the DOH. Changes have been made to the vaccine “to better match circulating influenza viruses.” Also, health officials say vaccination makes symptoms less severe among those who get influenza despite getting the shot.
Balajadia said influenza typically spikes in Hawaii during January and February, about a month or two later than on the mainland. However, he said, “for us here in Hawaii, it’s year round because we have people coming in from all parts of the world.”
Tourists and residents returning from vacations off-island can catch the flu and spread it once in Hawaii, Balajadia said. That makes it important for residents to get vaccinated, he said, because it takes two weeks after vaccination for immunity to build.
Balajadia said the influenza that is circulating is staying milder than normal. But “we never know when that’s going to change,” he said.
Vaccinations are available at many pharmacies and clinics, to students through school vaccination programs and through student health programs at colleges. Some employers also offer vaccination programs.
Vaccination is typically covered by insurance.
The state’s Stop Flu at School program also kicked off Wednesday and will bring scheduled vaccination clinics to students at 167 public schools statewide through Dec. 21.
Email Jeff Hansel at jhansel@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
