Share aloha, but keep germs to yourself.
By Leanne Ta
Here in Hawaii, we have our own way of doing things. We wear aloha shirts instead of suits and ties. We take our shoes off when entering other peoples’ homes, and we speak Pidgin English. Heck, we even enjoy eating that mysterious meat known as SPAM.
But it’s not just our fashion sense or our food preferences that make Hawaii a special place – it’s that ever-present spirit of aloha.
It’s a fact that Hawaii residents don’t hesitate to open doors for others, to share food and drink, and to greet Auntie and Uncle – who, of course, are not really related to us – with a nice warm hug and a peck on the cheek.
These customs are “part of our aloha spirit. They’re also good for our mental health and overall well-being,” says Dr. Chiyome Fukino, director of the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH).
With flu season in full swing, however, these small acts of aloha could be the means of transmission for a potentially deadly disease.
Influenza (or flu) viruses are spread from person to person through respiratory droplets from sneezes and coughs, which, when propelled into the air, can infect those nearby. People can also become infected by touching surfaces and objects contaminated by the virus and later touching their eyes, mouth or nose.
In the cruel, microscopic world of germs, an otherwise innocent action like a hug or a handshake could be an efficient way to spread millions of harmful bacteria.
If they reach enough people, these little germs can have serious health and social consequences. Each year, the flu causes 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths (mostly among those 65 and older) in the U.S. The flu can cause severe complications, such as bacterial pneumonia, ear and sinus infections, dehydration, congestive heart failure, asthma, and diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Having the flu can also mean missing out on school, work and recreational activities. In the U.S., respiratory illnesses cause high rates of absenteeism among students and workers. The CDC reports that nearly 22 million school days are lost due to the common cold every year.
To help stop the spread of flu viruses, Hawai‘i health officials are urging people to share aloha in a more health-conscious way.
During flu season, which runs from October to May, sharing aloha means taking the appropriate steps to keep yourself and your family, friends and co-workers germ-free.
There are many things you can do to keep those germs away. One of the simplest – yet least practiced – ways to reduce your chances of getting or spreading germs is to wash your hands frequently. The DOH recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after every sneeze or cough. If soap and water are not readily available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers will do the job.
Also, remember to cough into a tissue or your sleeve. Cover a cough with your hands only when you can be sure you will wash them immediately afterward.
Another way to avoid spreading illnesses is to stay at home when you are sick. While many people feel obligated to be at work, studies show that flu-ridden workers have a negative impact on productivity – not to mention that they are putting their co-workers’ health in danger.
Ultimately, the best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. The CDC recommends getting your flu shot early – in October or November – since flu activity tends to peak in the winter months. It is important to get a flu shot every year, since the flu vaccine is updated annually to protect against new strains of the virus.
Flu vaccines are especially important for those at high risk for complications from the flu. This includes children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, pregnant women, people 50 or older, and those with certain chronic medical conditions.
As the sounds of sniffles and coughs begin to fill the air, make sure to keep yourself, your family and your friends healthy. Get vaccinated and show your aloha spirit by being considerate of others when you’re sick.
For information on flu shot clinics, please visit hmsa.com.
