Increase in flu cases
considered ‘typical’

By Gregg K. Kakesako
Star-Bulletin

Although there has been an increase in the number of people suffering from classic flu symptoms in recent weeks -- cough, fever, sore throats, headaches, extreme fatigue and body aches -- state health officials say there is nothing to be alarmed about.

"The number of cases reported has gone up since the end of November," said Michele Nakata, Department of Health epidemiological specialist, "but that is pretty typical."

The emergency room at Queen's Medical Center has seen the number of people reporting flu-like symptoms climb from nine during the first week of December to about 15 this week.

Nakata said the reason health officials aren't worried is because the type of influenza strain being reported is covered by the currently available vaccine.

Hawaii's flu season runs through March and Nakata said that it still isn't too late to get a flu shot.

"This is especially true if a person is in the high-risk category," she said.

Those would include people with pre-existing medical conditions, such as respiratory, heart and diabetes problems.

She also noted that there are prescription medications available that will "reduce the severity and shorten the duration of the illness," but they are only effective if taken within the first 48 hours after coming down with the flu.

Nakata said doctors are not only reporting an upswing in flu cases, but also more children being affected by the respiratory virus.

The flu, or influenza, is caused by viruses that affect the respiratory tract.