Flu deaths in SC 24 times higher than last year, new data shows. Here’s where cases are the worst

Patrick McCreless
Staff photo/hlynch@newsobserver.com

South Carolina has seen over 24 times more flu-related deaths so far this season than by the same point last year, the latest state data shows.

There were 19 flu-related deaths reported for the week of Dec. 4-10 for a total 49 deaths this season, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. The current total is 24.5 times higher than the two flu-associated deaths reported in the state by this period last year.

The latest deaths come as the state has endured the most active flu season in a decade, the DHEC says.

Here is a list of where all the flu deaths this season have been reported so far by region.

  • Upstate: 15

  • Midlands: 14

  • Pee Dee: 8

  • Low Country: 12

There were 2,271 new cases of flu reported for the week of Dec. 4 for a total of 39,187, the data shows. The health department had reported 2,503 total flu cases by this point last year.

Also, there were 191 flu-associated hospitalizations reported by 50 hospitals in the state the for the week of Dec. 4. There have been 2,012 flu-related hospitalizations to date.

South Carolina isn’t the only state struggling with a higher than usual flu season. Most states are currently dealing with high or very high rates of flu, the latest flu map from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates.

In response to the active flu season, DHEC has recently partnered with Prisma Health to offer free flu vaccinations in Columbia.

Vaccinations are currently available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday at 1401 Sunset Drive in Columbia, a DHEC press release states. Children under 16 years old will need a signature from a parent or guardian to receive their shots. COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits will also be available at the site.

“The flu vaccine is safe and effective at preventing severe flu cases,” said Buck Wilson, DHEC’s Public Health Director in the Midlands. “We hope residents in the area come out and get a flu shot and free COVID-19 test kits so they can protect themselves and their loved ones during the holiday season.”

Flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations are available to anyone 6 months and older, DHEC states. Both take about two weeks to reach maximum effectiveness.

“As parents, we always want to protect our children from illnesses and accidents,” said Dr. Caughman Taylor, the Senior Medical Director of Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in the Midlands. “With the unprecedented surge in respiratory illness affecting our kids, one of the most effective ways we can keep them well is by getting all their vaccines, especially the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.”

Visit DHEC’s vaccine pages on COVID-19 and flu for more information on where to find other places offering shots.

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