Update on the flu season

Flu activity in South Carolina remains widespread. In North Carolina, the number of flu cases has reached a four-year high. And a Georgia hospital says it's working at full capacity as members of its staff continue to call out sick and more people are coming in with flu symptoms. Obviously, flu season is in full swing.
I spoke today with South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control representative Clair Boatwright. Boatwright says about 36,0000 people die each year in our country from the flu and complications of flu. She says even though the flu shot might not always be a "perfect match," it is the best protection against influenza, as well as hospitalization or death. DHEC administers only 20 percent of the flu shots in South Carolina. In addition to protecting yourself with the flu vaccine, Boatwright says you must wash your hands often, cough into your sleeve, and if you are ill; stay home and reduce your contact with others.
DHEC encourages sampling and submission of viral isolates to DHEC from those who have gotten a flu shot. This provides verification of the influenza strain. Influenza vaccine never covers all circulating strains of influenza, but does make illness milder or prevent the flu in most cases. For more information log on to the CDC website at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/. You may also visit the DHEC Flu Monitoring website for county level information at:
http://www.scdhec.gov/health/disease/acute/flu.htm
Again, the CDC stresses that it is never too late to vaccinate. You can still get a flu shot at your local health department. I’ve provided a list of area health departments and their phone numbers. Hope this helps to keep you and your family healthy. Just a reminder the elderly and the very young are more susceptible to the flu. Take care of yourself, and stay healthy.

Horry County Public Health Dept. (843) 915-8800
Georgetown County Public Health Dept. (843) 546-5593
Chesterfield County Public Health Dept. (843) 623-2117
Clarendon County Public Health Dept. (803) 435-8168
Darlington County Public Health Dept. (843) 398-4400
Dillon County Public Health Dept. (843) 774-5611
Florence County Public Health Dept. (843) 661-4835
Hartsville Public Health Center (843) 332-7303
Kershaw County Public Health Dept. (803) 425-6012
Lake City Public Health Dept. (843) 394-8822
Lee County Public Health Dept. (803) 484-6612
Marion County Public Health Dept. (843) 423-8295
Marlboro County Public Health Dept. (843) 479-6801
Sumter County Public Health Dept. (803) 773-5511
Williamsburg County Public Health. Dept. 355-6012

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