Flu cases in Hawaii are still low but starting to climb, and health officials say now is the time to get vaccinated before the winter surge hits.

• Flu activity is rising in Hawaii and expected to keep climbing through the winter months.
• No worrying new flu strains have shown up, but it is too early to know how severe this season will be.
• Doctors are seeing more stomach symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea alongside the usual flu cases.
• The health department recommends a flu shot for everyone 6 months and older, with a high-dose version for people 65 and up.
• A COVID shot does not replace a flu shot, since the two vaccines protect against different viruses.

Outlook: Flu cases will likely keep rising into winter, and flu and pneumonia together remain the 9th leading cause of death in Hawaii, so officials want people vaccinated before the virus spreads widely.