Flu deaths, hospitalizations decreasing in S.C. as long season winds down

This long, deadly flu season in South Carolina appears to be finally winding down.

For the first time in four months, no flu-related deaths were included on this week’s report from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. Flu-related hospitalizations in the state were down to 48 in the week ending April 1.

The number of positive lab tests was down 63 percent from the previous week, and the number of positive rapid tests done in physicians offices was down 48 percent.

Flu season, for statistical purposes, starts in late September. This has been the worst season in several years, with 149 deaths and 3,205 hospitalizations. That’s nearly twice the number of deaths as last year, and 80 percent more hospitalizations.

More than 60 percent of the hospitalizations and more than 80 percent of the deaths have been among ages 65 and older.

While all indications point to a waning season, there still were more than 1,000 positive rapid tests for influenza in the state last week. Health officials remind that the best ways to slow the spread of the flu are to wash hands frequently and thoroughly, cover your mouth when you cough and stay home when you’re sick.

This story was originally published April 2, 2015 at 10:41 PM with the headline "Flu deaths, hospitalizations decreasing in S.C. as long season winds down."