Columbia, SC (WLTX) - A second person has died from the flu in South Carolina during the 2018 flu season.
The victim was 65 years or older, and from the Lowcountry region, according to DHEC. The first flu-related death in the state was also recorded in the Lowcountry earlier this month.
So far this season, South Carolina has reportedly seen 84 hospitalizations related to the flu.
DHEC encourages everyone 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine every year. In addition to the flu shot, South Carolinians are encouraged to take the following preventive measures every day:
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If a tissue is not available, use the crook of your elbow.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
To schedule a flu shot appointment with DHEC, call 1-855-472-3432 or visit scdhec.gov/flu/fluclinics. For a non-DHEC flu vaccine provider, visit flushot.healthmap.org.