Flu widespread in SC now, new report shows. Here are the counties that have it the worst

Patrick McCreless
·2 min read

The current influenza season has accelerated in recent weeks, with virus activity now widespread in the state, health officials say.

There were 1,691 lab-confirmed flu tests reported the week of Nov. 19-25, the latest data available, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. That’s an uptick from the 1,457 lab-confirmed flu tests reported the prior week. There have been 7,229 lab-confirmed tests so far this flu season.

The latest data shows that statewide, 6.9% of patient visits to healthcare providers were for flu-like illness, which is almost double the state’s 3.6% baseline — the flu-like illness activity level overall was high, DHEC says.

Also for the week of Nov. 19, there were 92 flu-associated hospitalizations reported by 53 hospitals. There have been 362 flu-related hospitalizations so far this season.

There was one flu-related death reported in the state, making it the fifth so far this season.

SC counties with the most flu

There are currently 16 counties with reported flu levels above the state baseline.

  1. Anderson

  2. Greenville

  3. Laurens

  4. Newberry

  5. Lexington

  6. Richland

  7. Orangeburg

  8. Colleton

  9. Jasper

  10. Charleston

  11. York

  12. Chesterfield

  13. Darlington

  14. Florence

  15. Dillon

  16. Horry

SC flu season and vaccines

The flu season typically begins in October, but peak activity doesn’t usually start until December and lasts through February. However, last year South Carolina had an abnormally intense flu season, kicking off with far more cases in October than usual.

For instance, by the week of Nov. 19 last year, there had been a total of 32,633 lab-confirmed tests, DHEC data shows. Also statewide, 9.0% of patient visits to healthcare providers were for flu-like illness that week, above the state baseline.

Flu vaccine

Flu vaccines are strongly recommended for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions, such as people with specific allergies and children younger than 6 months of age. Vaccines are available at offices of healthcare providers and many pharmacies, including national chains.

To find a flu vaccine near you in South Carolina, click here.