SC has among highest flu rates in US, CDC says. Here’s how bad and where it’s worst
South Carolina has a higher rate of flu than most other states, the latest health reports show.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza activity levels in South Carolina are very high — only six other states share the same rating. Also, there are only six states with even high flu activity levels.
To view flu activity levels of every state, check the image below.
SC flu cases
There were 3,061 lab-confirmed tests reported the week of Dec. 29 through Jan. 4, the latest data available as of Friday morning, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health. That’s an increase over the 2,179 lab-confirmed tests reported a week earlier and the 869 confirmed tests reported two weeks before.
As of the latest report, there have been 10,590 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, 8.2% 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. 29, there were 356 influenza-associated hospitalizations reported by 54 hospitals. Again, that was a sizable jump from the 146 influenza-associated hospitalizations reported a week before and the 79 reported two weeks earlier.
There have been 1,047 flu-associated hospitalizations in the state to date this season.
And there have been eight influenza-associated deaths in the state this season so far.
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
- Oconee
- Greenville
- Spartanburg
- York
- Laurens
- Newberry
- Lexington
- Richland
- Kershaw
- Chesterfield
- Darlington
- Florence
- Dillon
- Horry
- Jasper
- Beaufort
- Colleton
- Charleston
Flu vaccine
You can still get a 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.
This story was originally published January 11, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
