SC hit with high flu deaths, hospitalizations even as spring nears. These counties struggling most
Rates of flu deaths and hospitalizations remain high in South Carolina, year-over-year, into March, health reports show.
There were 23 influenza-associated deaths reported the week of March 2 to March 8, the latest data available, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health. The report notes that 11 of those deaths happened in previous weeks.
Still, that’s 12 more deaths reported for the week, compared to zero deaths reported over the same period a year ago. Also, in total, there have been 199 flu-related deaths reported so far this season — higher than the 114 deaths reported the previous year.
The state had 391 flu-associated hospitalizations reported by 63 hospitals the week of March 2. Over the same week a year ago, there were 65 flu-associated hospitalizations reported by 50 hospitals.
There have been 7,450 hospitalizations this season so far, compared to 4,507 last season at this time.
Overall, South Carolina reported widespread flu activity in the latest report. The state reported lower, regional activity the same week last year.
Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s ongoing influenza surveillance report shows that South Carolina still has among the highest rates of flu activity in the U.S.
SC counties with the most flu
Below is a list of South Carolina counties that reported patient visits for the flu that were above the state baseline for the week.
- Oconee
- Anderson
- Greenville
- Laurens
- York
- Newberry
- Lexington
- Richland
- Kershaw
- Chesterfield
- Darlington
- Dillon
- Horry
- Jasper
- Colleton
- Charleston
SC regions with most flu deaths
Upstate: 100
Midlands: 25
Pee Dee: 62
Lowcountry: 12
How to reduce spread of flu
Below are other actions you can take to protect yourself and others from the flu, according to the CDC:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick if possible, including from work, school, and errands.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands often to help protect you from germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth to prevent the spread of germs.
- Improve air quality by bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.
- Frequently clean touched surfaces such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs to help prevent the spread of the flu virus.
