South Carolina records 15th flu-related death as illness increases across the state
Residents along the Grand Strand are encouraged to get their flu shot as state health officials continue to see elevated levels of the influenza virus.
With the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reporting widespread activity of the virus over the last seven weeks, the odds of contracting the often-times fatal illness continue to increase in Horry and Georgetown counties. Currently, 15 flu-related deaths and 605 hospitalizations have been reported statewide, according to DHEC.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms may include a sudden onset of fever, cough, headache or muscle aches, tiredness, sore throat and nasal congestion or stuffiness. It can lead to hospitalization or death.
Along the Grand Strand, only 15 lab-confirmed cases of influenza have been reported in Horry County since flu season began on Sept. 29, with two cases reported in Georgetown County, according to DHEC. There have been no reported deaths related to influenza in either counties.
On a statewide basis, there were 301 confirmed flu cases from Dec. 22 to Dec. 28, which includes 198 flu-related hospitalizations across 50 hospitals and four deaths, according to a report released Thursday by the state health agency. Overall, there have been 1,025 lab-confirmed cases reported since September, with the total increase by almost 320 from the previous week.
This weeks’ current data also shows people 65 and over have accounted for most of the hospitalizations and all four deaths.
Nationally, public health officials estimate there have been 4.6 million flu cases so far this season, with 39,000 people admitted to a hospital and 2,100 deaths. All regions of the country are seeing elevated levels of flu-like illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Both DHEC and the CDC recommend getting a yearly flu vaccine as an important step to fighting off the influenza virus. While it’s important for everyone over six months old to get vaccinated, both agencies stress that young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions and seniors over 65 are at high risk of serious flu complications.
While reported cases of the flu can often spike in January and February, it is not too late to take precautions against the virus. Flu vaccines are available at doctor’s offices, clinic and pharmacies throughout the region.
Other precautionary measures include:
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like flu.
