SC health officials say flu has claimed lives of 8 people

Health officials say at least eight South Carolinians had died of flu as 2015 came to a close.

The Greenville News reports that figures from the state Department of Health and Environmental Control show seven of people who died were 65 years old or older. That’s the group most at risk.

The eighth person was between the ages of 50 and 64.

The agency says that since the flu season began in October, at least 172 people were hospitalized with flu through Dec. 26. Flu season typically runs from October to March, peaking in February.

The Associated Press

This story was originally published January 2, 2016 at 8:06 PM with the headline "SC health officials say flu has claimed lives of 8 people."