SC being hit hard by Flu

South Carolina is being hit hard by the flu this year and the virus has appeared much earlier than normal. In the last 3-4 weeks, the Palmetto State has experienced a significant upturn in the number of influenza cases being reported, the number of hospitalizations, and unfortunately even the number of people who have died due to the illness that is according to DHEC.  Flu season typically peaks in February. According to DHEC’s latest numbers, there have been at least 571 hospitalizations and 15 deaths linked to the illness. DHEC says only one death was reported during the relatively mild 2011-2012 flu season.  Since November 24, flu cases in South Carolina have been classified as widespread, which is the most severe level. Health officials recommend that all South Carolina residents older than 6 months get a flu vaccine as soon as possible, warning that even an inoculated person is still vulnerable for a few weeks after receiving the vaccine.