South Carolina continues to see a sharp rise in flu cases, with hospitalizations and deaths reaching new highs, according to the latest Flu Watch report from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
For the week of January 26–February 1, 2025, DHEC reported 10,231 lab-confirmed cases of influenza, bringing the season total to 40,324. The percentage of patient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) spiked to 17.0%, significantly above the state baseline of 3.2%. The flu remains widespread across all regions of the state, with reports from 22 counties contributing to the data.
Hospitalizations surged again, with 1,284 new influenza-associated hospitalizations this week alone, bringing the total for the season to 4,258. The cumulative hospitalization rate has risen to 83.8 per 100,000 residents. Adults aged 65 and older continue to be the most affected, accounting for 684 of the new hospitalizations this week.
Flu-related deaths also saw a concerning jump, with 22 new fatalities reported this week, including three from previous weeks. The total number of flu-related deaths for the 2024-25 season now stands at 67. The majority of fatalities continue to be among older adults, with 55 of the 67 deaths occurring in individuals aged 65 and older.
DHEC continues to recommend vaccination as the most effective way to prevent severe illness and hospitalization. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and DHEC recommend that everyone aged six months and older receive a flu shot. The flu vaccine is widely available at pharmacies, healthcare providers, and DHEC health department clinics. Most insurance plans cover the cost of the vaccine, and individuals can receive flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at the same time.
In addition to vaccination, DHEC encourages South Carolinians to take preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home if experiencing flu symptoms. The agency also reminds residents that antiviral medications can be effective in reducing the severity and duration of flu symptoms when taken soon after illness onset.
South Carolinians can schedule vaccinations at DHEC health clinics by calling 1-855-472-3432 or visiting DHEC’s Flu Page. Weekly updates on flu activity and other respiratory illnesses are available through DHEC’s Flu Watch and Respiratory Disease Watch reports.
