COLUMBIA, SC (WBTW) – South Carolina health officials say reports of the flu continue to increase across the Palmetto State.
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control says officials do not know when flu season will peak, but until the virus is brought under control, doctors will continue to see serious cases of the illness and potentially more deaths.
“The Influenza A strain continues to be the most frequently reported this season in South Carolina and nationally,” said Dr. Tracy Foo, DHEC Immunization Medical Consultant. “When there are high levels of the H3N2 strain circulating, there tends to be more severe illness and a higher number of deaths.”
As of Saturday, 46 people in South Carolina have died, DHEC reports. Officials warn that those 65 and older have the highest hospitalization and death rate. Nearly 33 percent of all confirmed flu cases reported are in older adults.
DHEC encourages residents to get the flu shot, despite the vaccine being reported at 20 to 30 percent effective. DHEC also says, despite medical myths, the flu vaccines cannot give you the flu because the vaccines contain virus strains that are not active and cannot produce disease.
One of the main risks of developing the flu is the possibility of complications – pneumonia, serious illness, even death – specifically in children and elderly adults.
“Because we are seeing more severe flu activity this season, it is especially important for these high-risk individuals to get vaccinated if they haven’t already,” Dr. Foo said.
Flu vaccines are offered at DHEC Health Department clinics by appointment. Call 1-800-868-0404 to make an appointment or go to DHEC’s website to find the location closest to you
