Has flu season started in South Carolina?

Maybe. The weekly barometer of flu cases, posted last week by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, went from “no activity” to “sporadic” activity. The total number of confirmed cases reported to DHEC, either through rapid tests or lab tests, during the week was only 22. But that’s twice as many as the week before.

The flu status has jumped from “no activity” to “sporadic” several times in recent months. Traditionally in South Carolina, the season begins to ramp up slowly in October and reach its peak in January and February. But last season, the typical mid-winter outbreak never happened.

That was rare, and it would be even more unusual for it to happen two years in a row. If you don’t want to take a chance on another slow season, your best defense is to get a flu shot. They are available at physician offices, health clinics and major pharmacies.

To find the closest flu shot location near you, go online to http://www.scdhec.gov/flu/clinic-options.htm