With SC flu cases rising, Prisma Health, Spartanburg Regional hospitals limit visitations

Bob Montgomery, Spartanburg Herald-Journal
Updated ·3 min read

Flu cases are rising statewide at a pace faster than any of the previous few seasons, health officials say.

As a result, two Upstate healthcare systems have begun curtailing hospital visitations.

Prisma Health on Wednesday began restricting patient visitation for children under age 16. All other visitors are asked to not visit patients if they have a fever, have tested positive for any respiratory illness, or are suspected of having one.

The number of reported flu cases statewide is rising at the highest pace in four years.
The number of reported flu cases statewide is rising at the highest pace in four years.

On Wednesday, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System also announced it is encouraging people to not visit its hospital campuses "unless absolutely necessary."

"Anyone experiencing virus symptoms should not visit the hospital unless seeking treatment," SRHS stated in a press release.

In addition, patients and visitors are encouraged to wear masks inside SRHS facilities to help prevent the further spread of respiratory illness.

In a statewide media briefing Thursday, the lead medical consultant for the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Dr. Martha Buchanan, said South Carolina and Louisiana have the highest flu rates in the nation.

Dr. Martha Buchanan said flu season typically starts in October, and in recent weeks the numbers of hospitalizations and people testing positive for flu have risen sharply.
Dr. Martha Buchanan said flu season typically starts in October, and in recent weeks the numbers of hospitalizations and people testing positive for flu have risen sharply.

Dr. Buchanan said flu season typically starts in October, and in recent weeks the numbers of hospitalizations and people testing positive for flu have risen sharply.

"It's too early to tell if we've peaked this year or if our numbers will continue to rise," she said.

For the week ending Dec. 23, DHEC reported 5,035 confirmed flu tests reported statewide. That is up from 4,504 confirmed tests the previous week ending Dec. 16.

Flu-related hospitalizations and deaths statewide by age groups.
Flu-related hospitalizations and deaths statewide by age groups.

So far this flu season, there have been 25,068 lab-confirmed tests. For the entire flu season last year, from Oct. 2, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2023, there were 47,787 confirmed cases. In 2021-22 during the COVID pandemic, there were only 4,995 confirmed flu cases.

Hospitalizations are up as well. For the week ending Dec. 23, there were 446 flu-related hospitalizations statewide, up from 370 the week ending Dec. 16. For the season, there have been 1,561 hospitalizations reported so far.

The Upstate region leads the state in flu-related deaths this season.
The Upstate region leads the state in flu-related deaths this season.

There were also four flu-related deaths statewide reported the week ending Dec. 23, up from three deaths the previous week. For the season, there have been 18 flu-related deaths. The Upstate has had 11 deaths, leading all regions in the state.

Get vaccinated, health officials say

Dr. Buchanan said the best way to prevent serious illness is to get a flu shot. Pharmacies and health departments statewide are offering no-cost or low-cost vaccinations, she said.

Low- or no-cost flu vaccines offered at DHEC health department clinics are available by appointment. Call 1-855-472-3432 to make an appointment or go to scdhec.gov/fluclinics to find the nearest location.

Flu-related hospitalizations have risen sharply statewide in recent weeks.
Flu-related hospitalizations have risen sharply statewide in recent weeks.

"It's not too late to get vaccinated," she said. "Wash hands, wear a mask, cover your cough or sneezes, stay home if you're sick."

Health officials also eyeing COVID-19 variants

Besides the flu virus, COVID variants have been circulating. While no longer considered a pandemic, COVID has been classified by health officials as an endemic, meaning it can be more easily prevented and treated.

The CDC offers these tips to help stop COVID-19:

➤ Staying outside can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

➤ When you are inside, open windows to bring in fresh air.

➤ Wash your hands often.

➤ Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines.

➤ Wear a mask to protect everyone.

Prisma Health held a statewide media briefing with Dr. Helmut Albrecht, infectious disease specialist. "We are seeing a significant, further increase (in flu cases) over the holidays," Albrecht said.
Prisma Health held a statewide media briefing with Dr. Helmut Albrecht, infectious disease specialist. "We are seeing a significant, further increase (in flu cases) over the holidays," Albrecht said.

On Wednesday, Prisma Health held a statewide media briefing with Dr. Helmut Albrecht, infectious disease specialist.

"We are seeing a significant, further increase (in flu cases) over the holidays," Albrecht said. "About a fifth to sixth of visits to the ER are now driven by influenza-like illnesses."

He said visitors and hospital staff members are urged to wear masks, and wash hands frequently.

Albrecht also said it's not too late for people to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19. He said those over 60 are eligible to receive a vaccine to protect against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Bob Montgomery covers Spartanburg County politics and growth & development. Reach him via email at bob.montgomery@shj.com.

This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: SC flu cases rising: Prisma Health, SRHS hospitals limit visitations