Flu activity in South Carolina remains at high levels despite a decrease in reported cases, according to the latest Flu Watch report from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). Hospitalizations and deaths from influenza continue to rise, underscoring the severity of the season.
For the week of February 2–8, 2025, DHEC reported 8,232 lab-confirmed cases of influenza, bringing the season total to 48,590. While this marks a decrease from the previous week, flu remains widespread across the state, with reports coming in from 22 counties.
The percentage of patient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) dropped slightly to 12.6%, though it remains significantly above the state baseline of 3.2%. The decrease in flu cases does not indicate an end to the season, as hospitalizations and severe outcomes continue to rise.
Hospitalizations remained high, with 1,230 new influenza-associated hospitalizations reported during the week. The total number of hospitalizations for the season has climbed to 5,488, with a cumulative hospitalization rate of 108.1 per 100,000 residents. Adults aged 65 and older remain the most affected group, accounting for 679 of the new hospitalizations this week.
Flu-related deaths saw another significant jump, with 37 new fatalities reported, including 10 from previous weeks. This brings the total number of flu-related deaths for the 2024-25 season to 104. The majority of deaths continue to be among older adults, with 80 of the 104 fatalities occurring in individuals aged 65 and older.
DHEC continues to urge South Carolinians to take preventive measures against the flu, including getting vaccinated, washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when experiencing flu symptoms. The flu vaccine remains widely available at pharmacies, healthcare providers, and DHEC health department clinics.
Health officials also remind residents that antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms when taken early. Those at high risk for complications, including seniors, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with underlying health conditions, are especially encouraged to seek medical care if they develop flu symptoms.
South Carolinians can schedule flu vaccinations at DHEC health clinics by calling 1-855-472-3432 or by 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.
