Flu explodes in SC with 1,000s of new cases, latest state report shows. Here’s where it’s worst
New cases of influenza spiked by the thousands over two recent weeks in South Carolina, the latest state health report shows.
There were 2,957 lab-confirmed tests reported the week of Dec. 22-28 and 2,179 confirmed tests reported the week of Dec. 15-21 — the latest data available as of Thursday — according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health. Those were massive increases over the 869 lab-confirmed tests reported three weeks prior and the 155 confirmed tests reported four weeks before.
As of the latest report, there have been 7,530 lab-confirmed tests so far this flu season.
The flu season typically begins in October, but peak activity usually starts in December and lasts through February.
The data shows that statewide, 7.8% of patient visits to healthcare providers were for flu-like illness, higher than the state’s 3.2% baseline — the flu-like activity level overall was high, DPH says.
Also for the week of Dec. 2, there were 312 influenza-associated hospitalizations reported by 70 hospitals. Again, that was a sizable jump from the 79 influenza-associated hospitalizations reported two weeks before and the 21 reported three weeks earlier.
There have been 691 flu-associated hospitalizations in the state to date this season.
There have been five influenza-associated deaths in the state this season so far. Of those, three have been in the Upstate, one in the Midlands and one in the Pee Dee region.
SC counties with the most flu
Flu activity is currently considered widespread geographically, according to DPH. Below is a list of South Carolina counties that reported patient visits for the flu that were above the state baseline for the week.
- Anderson
- Greenville
- Laurens
- York
- Newberry
- Lexington
- Richland
- Kershaw
- Chesterfield
- Darlington
- Florence
- Dillon
- Horry
- Jasper
- Beaufort
- Colleton
- Charleston
Flu vaccine
It’s not too late to get the flu vaccine to protect yourself from the virus this season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the DPH recommend that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu shot. The specific strains of flu change each year, meaning the vaccine must be updated annually. Vaccines are available at offices of healthcare providers and many pharmacies, including national chains. Flu vaccines offered at DPH health department clinics are available by appointment. Call 1-855-472-3432 to make an appointment or go to the DPH website to find the nearest location.
