Flu Activity continues to Increase

Flu activity continues to increase in the Palmetto State, so the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is encouraging residents to protect themselves. As of Jan. 20, 46 people in South Carolina have died from the flu. Individuals over 65 have the highest hospitalization rate and number of deaths. About one-third of all laboratory-confirmed influenza cases reported this season are in older adults. The best protection against the illness is the flu shot. Anyone 6 months of age or older should get the shot, if they haven’t already had one this season. It takes about two weeks for the body to build up protection after getting the flu vaccine, so the sooner you get the vaccine, the better. Remember, the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. Flu vaccines contain virus strains that are not active and cannot produce disease. It is important to remember that anyone can get sick from the flu. Flu vaccines are offered at DHEC Health Department clinics by appointment. Call 1-800-868-0404 to make an appointment or go to www.scdhec.gov/flu/FluClinics to find the location closest to you.