Remember the swine flu?

Between the state budget crisis and Michael Jackson, the novel H1N1 virus seems to have been forgotten.

But it hasn't gone away. In fact, it's spreading throughout the Islands, promising to make this year's flu season one of the most widespread yet.

Hawai'i has proven to be particularly vulnerable: Our climate and high visitor traffic creates conditions under which the flu can thrive year-round.

The numbers seem to bear that out: Despite its small population, Hawai'i has among the highest number of reported cases — 722 — among the 50 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But that number is outdated; it has since risen to more than 1,000, including two deaths, according to the state Department of Health.

And even those numbers, state health officials say, are probably lower than the reality.

With the H1N1 virus added to regular seasonal viruses, it's a clarion call for the state and the community to be prepared for the worst — especially with the school year beginning at the end of the month.

For the cash-strapped state, this means leveraging federal funds to expand its ability to monitor the pandemic and conduct mass vaccinations.

The state expects to receive about $1.5 million in federal money to prepare for vaccinating high-risk groups. The state should partner with doctors, private labs and vaccine suppliers to use the money as efficiently as possible.

But government can only do so much. It's also important for the public to be proactive. There are the usual sanitation protocols, of course: Wash your hands thoroughly, stay home if you're sick.

Parents should also have solid emergency child-care plans if a flu outbreak closes their school.

Those who have chronic illnesses need make sure they have an ample supply of emergency supplies, including prescription medications, in case they become homebound.

With conditions constantly changing, it's also important to stay informed about the latest developments. State and national Web sites — http://www.hawaii.gov/health or http://www.cdc.gov/flu — are valuable resources.

It may not be making headlines, but the swine flu remains a serious concern.