Fourth flu-related death reported in SC as officials track strong start to the season
The flu season is off to a strong start in South Carolina, with public health officials reporting the highest number of cases for this time of year in at least five years.
The latest influenza report from the Department of Health and Environmental Control shows cases of the virus increasing around the state. A fourth flu-related death was reported during the last week of November.
Flu cases are increasing across the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the South has been the hardest hit so far. The biggest activity so far this season has been in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico and Texas, according to the CDC.
In South Carolina, public health officials said the final week of November marked the third week in a row with widespread flu activity, and 41 people were admitted to the hospital for flu-related illnesses between Nov. 24-30.
There have been 164 hospitalizations for flu so far this season, health officials said.
DHEC did not give much information on the latest death, but data shows it was a person over 65 in the Pee Dee region.
State and federal public health officials say the best way to avoid the flu is to get the vaccine.
“Influenza can result in serious illness, hospitalization, and death, particularly among older adults, very young children, pregnant women, and persons with certain chronic medical conditions,” the CDC said.
But even for people who are not at high risk, the flu can lead to absences from school or work.
The DHEC provides an online list of where people can get a flu shot in South Carolina.
