Department of Public Health confirms 2024 season’s first flu-related death in SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – On Thursday, The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) announced the state’s first influenza-associated death of the season.

“Sadly, a person from the Midlands region has died from complications due to the flu, becoming our first confirmed influenza-associated death of the season that officially started September 29,” said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist and director of DPH’s Health Programs Branch.

The flu season began Sept. 29. DPH provides a weekly Flu Watch report published each Wednesday.

“This is a sober reminder that the flu can be deadly. Unfortunately, we see many deaths, hospitalizations and other serious complications of flu each year in our state,” Dr. Bell said. “Getting vaccinated against this disease is the best way to prevent the flu, and I recommend that all of us who are able get our shot as soon as possible.”

DPH and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated. The flu season began Sept. 29. DPH provides a weekly Flu Watch report published each Wednesday.

Health experts say the best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated. Other ways include: masks, frequent handwashing, and staying home or away from others while sick.

The department says preventing the flu is important for people who are at increased risk of complications from the virus, including young children, pregnant women, people 65 and older, and those with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart or lung disease. However, healthy people also can have serious complications from the flu.

Flu vaccines offered at DHEC health department clinics are available by appointment. To schedule, call 1-855-472-3432 to make an appointment or go to the DPH website to find the nearest location.

More information about preventing the flu is available here. You can also monitor respiratory illness activity in our state by following Flu Watch and the Respiratory Disease Watch, which are updated every Wednesday.

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