Although much focus is on the coronavirus outbreak, another virus shouldn’t be ignored — the flu.
Hawaii is experiencing high levels of “influenza-like illnesses,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s weekly influenza surveillance report for the week ending Jan. 25.
According to the state Department of Health, seasonal flu viruses circulate in Hawaii year-round but are most common during the fall and winter.
Chad Shibuya, director of infection control at Hilo Medical Center, said Tuesday that a DOH flu status report did “trend up quite a bit” from last week to this week — from 4.5% of emergency room cases with flu-like symptoms, to 7%.
HMC tracks its own flu level using similar measurements, but “every island, every community can be a little different, because we’re actually seeing a decrease in flu cases.”
Although he didn’t have a specific number, Shibuya said about 3% of emergency room visits Tuesday had influenza-like illness, compared to around 3.2% last week.
The hospital, however, is “seeing a significant number of flu cases every day, though.”
According to Shibuya, the “B” strain of the virus began emerging in early- to mid-summer, but now HMC is seeing the influenza “A” virus almost exclusively.
According to WebMD, type A viruses are generally responsible for large flu outbreaks, while type B is typically less severe.
To protect against the flu, Shibuya said individuals should get a flu vaccination, wash hands, cough into their sleeve or a tissue, and stay home if sick.
“I think people right now are really focused and concerned about the coronavirus … but in any given year, tens of millions of American will get the flu … ” Shibuya said, adding that the flu can kill between 20,000 and 60,000 people a year.
The outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus has been caused by a previously unidentified coronavirus first detected in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, on Dec. 31.
As of Wednesday afternoon, more than 28,000 cases of the respiratory illness have been confirmed and more than 550 deaths have been reported, largely in mainland China. Twelve cases have been confirmed in the United States.
Statistically, Shibuya said, there’s “no comparison” between the flu and the current coronavirus situation.
“It’s serious. We should be concerned about it, (and) be prepared for it, (but) don’t overlook the flu.”
For more information about the flu, visit bit.ly/DOHflu.
Email Stephanie Salmons at ssalmons@hawaii tribune-herald.com.