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Nearly 300 people died in South Carolina during the last influenza season.
The South West Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced Thursday that the first flu-related death in the 2018 season was recorded.
"Unfortunately, a person from the Lowcountry area has died of the flu," DHEC Public Health Director Lilian Peake said in a press release. "This is our first seasonal death associated with the proven flu. Unfortunately, many deaths, hospitalizations and other serious complications of influenza occur each year in South Carolina. "
According to the DHEC, 135,842 influenza cases were reported during the last influenza season. Of these, 4,551 people were hospitalized and 292 people died. This was a significant increase in the number of deaths among the 177 people who died during the previous influenza season.
According to DHEC, flu symptoms may include sudden fever, dry cough, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat and nasal congestion.
Overall, more than 80,000 people have died from the flu this past season, McClatchy reported. The majority of those who died were over the age of 65, according to estimates by the US Centers for Disease Control, who said the majority of Americans do not get the flu shot every year.
"The last influenza season was one of the worst in recent years and highlights the importance of getting the flu shot," said Dr. Tracy Foo, DHEC's immunization medical consultant, in a news release.
The most vulnerable people to "serious complications of the flu include young children, pregnant women, people aged 65 and over and those with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or lungs, "according to Peake. She said that "even healthy people can have serious flu-related complications."
The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated, according to DHEC.
Despite this recommendation, more than 61 percent of South Carolina residents have not been vaccinated against influenza last season, according to a study by Insurance Quotes.
"Since influenza activity is unpredictable every year, we must prepare for the virus that circulates in our communities for several months," Peake said in a press release. "The most common influenza virus strains that circulate can change every year. It is therefore important to get vaccinated every year to get the best protection. We therefore strongly encourage people to get vaccinated now to prevent the flu and its potentially serious consequences. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to strengthen your body's protection against the virus. "
Adults 50 years and older are among those at "increased risk of influenza complications," DHEC reported. Other children at risk and pregnant women, among others.
In addition to the influenza vaccine, DHEC encourages residents of S.C. to take the following steps to prevent the spread of the disease:
▪ While you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible so as not to infect them
▪ Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after using it. If a handkerchief is not available, use the hollow of your elbow
▪ Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you do not have water or soap, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
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