Flu-related 911 calls and emergency room visits surge in Hawaii

Hawaii's Department of Health is reporting a sharp rise in influenza cases statewide, accompanied by a corresponding increase in flu-related calls to 911 and visits to hospital emergency departments.

Garrett Hall, acting state EMS Chief, stated in a video that the department is observing a rise in calls to Emergency Medical Services for respiratory and flu-like symptoms. This is subsequently causing more transports to emergency centers throughout the islands. He added that increases in EMS transports directly correlate with increased patient volumes in emergency departments.

While a seasonal rise in flu symptoms is typical during winter, particularly with increased indoor gatherings, the recent surge in respiratory-related 911 calls is notable. For the week ending November 20, responders recorded 352 respiratory-related encounters. This was followed by 344 encounters for the week ending November 27 (Thanksgiving Day), and 332 transports for the week ending December 4.

Hall noted that the recent numbers represent an approximate 45% increase compared to total EMS respiratory-related encounters during the summer month of June.

Health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated against respiratory illnesses and to stay home when sick. These measures can help prevent the spread of viruses.

According to Hall, around 83% of EMS respiratory encounters result in patient transport, and an estimated 40% to 50% of those transported require hospital admission.

This recent increase is placing a strain on the 911 system, hospital bed availability, and the state's overall capacity to manage healthcare emergencies.

Hall, who is affiliated with the EMS and Injury Prevention Systems Branch, emphasized the need for diligent monitoring of the situation. This is crucial in case of a disaster or significant event that demands more resources.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports that seasonal influenza is on the rise nationally. A new flu strain, influenza A (H3N2) subclade K, is contributing to surges worldwide.

According to Eurosurveillance, this strain likely caused a record number of flu cases in Australia, prolonging the influenza season there and in New Zealand.

The DOH advises seeking early medical attention from doctors or urgent care centers for mild to moderate flu symptoms, rather than visiting emergency departments. This helps preserve access to emergency care for those with the most critical needs.

Self-test kits available at pharmacies can help individuals determine if their illness is the flu, COVID-19, or another respiratory virus.

The DOH respiratory dashboard indicates high positivity rates for influenza, along with increasing emergency department visits for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV can cause more severe symptoms in infants and older adults.

As of December 10, the positivity rate for COVID-19 in Hawaii is low, at just 0.8%.

Health officials reiterate that flu, RSV, and COVID vaccines remain the best defense against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccination also helps reduce community spread.

The DOH, as part of the West Coast Health Alliance, has issued its own recommendations for vaccines this respiratory virus season. Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone six months and older, and RSV immunizations are available for infants and older adults.

Hall also stressed the importance of staying home when sick and avoiding school, work, or gatherings if experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, or other respiratory issues. Frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and wearing masks in crowded indoor settings are also recommended.

Young children, older adults, and individuals with chronic diseases are at particularly high risk during flu season.

Hall urges residents not to delay vaccination or treatment if they feel unwell. He advises testing and reaching out to a primary care provider or urgent care center if flu is suspected. Early treatment is crucial, and people should not wait until they have difficulty breathing before seeking help.

That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. individuals experiencing severe or worsening symptoms, or difficulty breathing, should seek emergency care immediately.