COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) announced on Wednesday the state's first flu-related death. DPH officials wants everyone to get the flu vaccine.
"This is just a really grim reminder that flu can be a really serious illness and that we all need to do what we can to protect ourselves," said Dr. Martha Buchanan with the Department of Public Health.
Sadly, a person from the Midlands has died from complications due to the flu. The Department of Public Health wants everyone to do what they can to stay protected.
“We all need to do what we can to protect ourselves, which includes getting a vaccine, washing our hands, carrying our cough, staying home when we're sick. But really, getting a vaccine is really the easiest and most effective way for all of us to reduce risk for ourselves and those around us," said Dr. Buchanan.
DPH has confirmed 151 lab confirmed tests this flu season, 50 confirmed tests this past week. DPH officials say they expect flu cases to increase.
“I'm seeing this season is a lot of the respiratory issues that come along with our viral illnesses, that can have a lot of the cough, congestion, pneumonia, particularly in my older adults or adults with preexisting conditions, a lot of the typical flu symptoms can be fever, body aches, cough, sore throat and fatigue," said Amanda Clark, a Nurse practitioner with the Medical University of South Carolina.
Health officials encourage everyone 6 months and older to get the vaccine. As we are in Fall, heading to Winter soon, Health officials say this would be the best time to get the vaccine.
“It takes about two weeks for you to be fully protected against the flu. And so, getting it now before you have a lot, whole lot of cases, is really smart and helps protect you, because you have that two-week window to before your body is fully protected," said Dr. Buchanan.
Health officials told me the updated vaccine covers some of the strains circulating now and will offer protection through the current flu season. This is especially important for those who have pre-existing conditions.
“We're talking diabetes, asthma and heart disease, or people with a weakened immune system, I feel like all of those people should really work on getting their flu vaccine," said Clark.
Health officials told me that other prevention measures are washing your hands, getting enough rest, and if you are sick stay home.
Prisma Health will be offering free flu shots tomorrow, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sumter High School. Next Saturday, MUSC Health will hold a free vaccine at Saint Andrews Park.