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Columbia, South Carolina – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has confirmed the first flu-related death in South Carolina of the flu season underway.
"Unfortunately, a person from the Lowcountry area has died of complications from the flu," said Dr. Lilian Peake, Director of Public Health at DHEC. "This is our first laboratory-confirmed, laboratory-confirmed, first-in-the-season flu-related illness, but many deaths, hospitalizations, and other serious complications of influenza happen every year in South Carolina."
RELATED: Influenza Facts South Carolina DHEC
Peake said at-risk youth, pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart or lung disease were the most at risk for serious complications of the flu. But even healthy people can have serious flu-related complications, she said. That's why it's so important that everyone, starting at six months old, get a flu shot every year. This is the best way to prevent the flu.
"Since influenza activity is unpredictable every year, we must prepare for the virus that circulates in our communities for several months," said Peake. "The most common influenza virus strains that circulate can change every year, so it's important to get the current influenza vaccine for better protection every year, so we urge people to get vaccinated now to prevent the flu. and its potentially serious effects It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to strengthen your body's protection against the virus. "
Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the flu virus. It can cause mild to severe illness and can be fatal, especially for vulnerable people, including those with certain chronic health conditions. Symptoms may include sudden onset of fever, dry cough, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat and nasal congestion or feeling of congestion.
In addition to receiving an annual flu shot, South Carolinians are encouraged to take the following preventative measures on a daily basis:
• 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 tissue is not available, use the hollow of your elbow.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you do not have water and soap, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
The influenza vaccine is available from many local providers – including doctors' offices, clinics, pharmacies, DHEC health departments, schools and workplaces, Peake said.
Influenza vaccines available at DHEC Department of Health clinics are available by appointment. Call 1-855-472-3432 to make an appointment or visit www.scdhec.gov/flu/fluclinics to find the location closest to you. To find a non-DHEC influenza vaccine provider near you, visit flushot.healthmap.org. For more information on influenza prevention, visit www.scdhec.gov/flu
© 2018 WLTX
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