South Carolina – Health authorities have suggested that the holiday season may have contributed to an increase in respiratory illnesses. The most recent data, spanning from Christmas to December 31st, indicates that 156 individuals in South Carolina were hospitalized due to the flu. However, health officials have pointed out that these numbers might actually be higher since reporting declined during the holiday period.
Tina Terry, a reporter for Channel Nine in South Carolina, interviewed Doris Logan, a woman who recently recovered from COVID-19. In the report, Logan is seen wearing a mask and taking proactive measures to maintain her health.
‘When I’m done shopping, or if I’ve been out somewhere when I get in the car, I use hand sanitizer. As soon as I get home, I wash my hands really thoroughly,'” Logan said to Channel 9.
On Thursday, health authorities in South Carolina issued a cautionary statement, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant due to the escalating cases of respiratory viruses. South Carolina has consistently ranked among the top one or two states in terms of reported flu cases according to the CDC, and this trend persists. The latest CDC map illustrates that South Carolina, along with other Southern states, is experiencing the highest number of flu cases nationwide.
Disturbingly, the most recent data reveals seven flu-related deaths in South Carolina occurring between Christmas and December 31st. Sadly, we continue to see flu-related deaths here in South Carolina, reminding us that flu is not to be taken lightly.
Dr. Buchanan emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant against the flu and other respiratory illnesses. She advises eligible individuals to get vaccinated, practice regular handwashing, cover their coughs, stay home when ill, and for those at risk attending large gatherings, to consider wearing a mask.
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“For the past few weeks, South Carolina has been number one or two in the number of flu cases reported by the CDC, and we continue to be in that range,” said Dr. Martha Buchanan to the station. Buchanan is the lead medical consultant for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. She echoed the information that the CDC has gathered about the spread of illnesses through the South.
Flu cases are up nationwide, CDC data shows
CDC data shows that 16.1% of the cases tested positive for influenza this week which is negative trend. Meanwhile, 6.1% of patient visits reported through ILINet were due to respiratory illness that included fever plus a cough or sore throat, also referred to as ILI. This is above the baseline of 2.9% since Week 44.
The cumulative hospitalization rate is 15.4 per 100,000, while the total number of patients admitted to hospital with influenza this week reached 14.732.
