COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control released new information on respiratory illnesses, with numbers still making South Carolina one of the highest infection rates in the country.
“I do not think it’s time for us to let our guard down yet. I think that all of us need to continue to be diligent about taking care of ourselves and our communities and our friends and family by following those simple preventative measures,” Dr. Martha Buchanan DHEC lead medical consultant said.
South Carolina is still ranked one of the highest states for flu cases in the country, according to the CDC.
DHEC says 433 people were hospitalized with the flu in the past week, but 19 people have died since flu season began.
“most people who get flu and COVID aren’t going to have to seek medical care but some people might. Those at highest risk for complications of COVID or the flu or RSV are people who are older, very young, pregnant woman and people who have other underlying medical conditions like heart disease or lung disease,” Dr. Buchanan said.
According to DHEC, Richland, Lexington, Newberry and Kershaw County all have high levels of influenza like illnesses.
“Wash your hands, cover your coughs and sneezes. Wear a mask if you’re concerned or going to visit someone that’s high risk you might want to wear a mask. Stay home and away from others when you’re sick and by all means get your vaccination and stay up to date,” Dr. Buchanan said.
DHEC reports that since the beginning of flu season there have been 117 outbreaks of the flu in schools across the state.
“Most of our schools, especially our elementary schools, nurses were doing surveillance for flu. we had a couple students that had COVID and flu,” Dawn MacAdams coordinator of health services of Richland Two said.
According to MacAdams Richland Two hasn’t seen their peak time of year for respiratory illness yet.
“Traditionally in Richland Two our peak for flu has been in February where we have the most cases, I'm not sure if that will hold true this year or not but traditionally that’s when our biggest outbreaks were,” she said.
DHEC says you should stay home as soon as you start experiencing any symptoms of illness to minimize the spread to others around you.
“Stay home if you get sick and it’s not just with a respiratory illness. stay home if you're sick if you're having a stomach bug. If you’re sick you need to stay home and away from others,” Dr. Buchanan said.