As the flu season hits Hawaiʻi hard, residents are facing a growing health crisis that demands immediate attention. With influenza cases skyrocketing, the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is sounding the alarm, urging everyone to take proactive steps to stay safe. But here's where it gets concerning: the surge in respiratory illnesses isn't just about the flu—it’s also driven by rising cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), putting immense pressure on our healthcare system. And this is the part most people miss: the increase in emergency medical service (EMS) calls, up by nearly 45% since June, is a stark reminder of how quickly these viruses can overwhelm our resources.
The holiday season, typically a time for joy and celebration, has inadvertently become a hotspot for virus transmission. Family gatherings, crowded malls, and events like the Honolulu Marathon create the perfect environment for respiratory viruses to spread. Data from the DOH Respiratory Virus Dashboard paints a clear picture: flu test positivity rates and flu-related emergency room visits are climbing sharply across the state. For instance, in the week ending December 4, EMS responders recorded 332 respiratory-related transports—a significant jump from the 243 recorded in early July. Even more alarming, approximately 40%–50% of these patients require hospital admission, exacerbating emergency department crowding and inpatient bed shortages.
But here’s the controversial part: while vaccines for flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are widely available and highly effective, vaccination rates remain lower than expected, leaving many vulnerable. Is it a lack of awareness, hesitancy, or accessibility issues? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Garrett Hall, acting state EMS chief, emphasizes the urgency: “Respiratory illness activity is rising across the state, and emergency services are feeling the strain. We need the public to act now—not just for their own protection, but to ensure emergency care remains available for those who need it most.”
To combat this crisis, the DOH recommends a multi-pronged approach. First and foremost, get vaccinated. Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, while RSV immunizations are available for infants and older adults. Vaccination not only protects you but also helps curb community spread. Second, stay home if you’re sick. Avoiding school, work, and gatherings when you have symptoms like fever, cough, or sore throat is a simple yet effective way to prevent transmission. Third, seek care early. If you experience mild to moderate symptoms, consider visiting your healthcare provider or an urgent care center instead of rushing to the emergency room. Influenza self-test kits are readily available at pharmacies, making it easier to monitor your health.
However, don’t hesitate to seek emergency care if symptoms worsen, such as difficulty breathing. Practicing good hygiene—washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces—can also make a significant difference. And let’s not forget our most vulnerable populations: kūpuna (elders), keiki (children), pregnant individuals, and those with chronic conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.
As we navigate this challenging season, the question remains: Are we doing enough to protect ourselves and our community? Share your thoughts below. For the latest updates on respiratory viruses, visit the DOH Respiratory Virus Dashboard at health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease-types/respiratory-viruses/. Stay informed, stay safe, and let’s work together to flatten the curve.
