DHEC Issues Advisory on Respiratory Illnesses

A representative from the South Carolina health agency provided the following advice on how to protect oneself from respiratory illnesses this fall:

“At present, DHEC has not issued any specific guidelines related to large gatherings, as the risk of spreading a respiratory illness depends on various factors beyond just the number of attendees. These factors include the individual risk levels of those present. For instance, a person at high risk for severe disease might opt not to attend a large gathering, while someone at a lower risk might choose to attend. However, we do recommend everyone to routinely follow these steps to mitigate the effects of respiratory illnesses: Frequently wash your hands. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. If you are at high risk, wear a mask. If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others. Get vaccinated for both the flu and COVID-19.”