South Carolina’s health department says the risk for respiratory illnesses is still very high, despite the holidays being over. It is warning residents to take precautions to keep you and others safe. Respiratory illnesses include the flu, Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Since Oct. 1, South Carolina has seen 70 influenza-related deaths, an increase in Covid-19 hospitalizations and 76 RSV outbreaks, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC),
“For the past few weeks, South Carolina has been number one or two in the number of flu cases reported by the CDC and we continue to be in that range,” said Dr. Martha Buchanan, a lead medical consultant for DHEC. “Other states are also seeing increases. So we’re seeing it begin to increase across the country, not just here in the Southeast.”
Much of the surge in activity can be linked to the lack of protection, according to media outlets, including low vaccination rates and improper protection by not using masks and washing hands. Almost one in four South Carolina residents received the flu shot this year, but only 15.57% of adults below the age of 65 had been vaccinated as of Jan. 1, DHEC records show. Buchanan said the four predominant strains of the flu circulating across the country are contained in this year’s flu shot, which she said should mean a more effective vaccine.
“If you’re going to a place with a lot of people, consider wearing a mask,” Buchanan added. “We know they help reduce risk. It’s becoming more acceptable to wear a mask.”
Other prevention suggestions include:
- Getting a vaccine if eligible
- Wash hands regularly
- Cover your cough
- Stay home if you are sick
- Living a healthier lifestyle to build immune system
To find a flu vaccine near you, head to scdhec.gov.
In City Paper news today:
CP OPINION: 5 ways to make progress in 2024 in Charleston
“On top of everyone’s mind, particularly on the peninsula, is dealing with the water that is rising thanks to global warming. A nasty December nor’easter reminded everyone of the power of water.”
CP CARTOON:
CP NEWS: 2024 brings array of hopes, dreams, thoughts, prayers to Lowcountry. Across the Lowcountry and nation, people are reevaluating priorities, making resolutions and thinking through ways to achieve hopes and dreams. Charleston City Paper asked a diverse handful of community leaders to share their hopes, dreams, thoughts and prayers for the new year.
CP NEWS: Lowcountry mental health access sees improvements, ongoing struggles. South Carolina is the fifth worst state in the nation for accessing mental health care facilities, according to a recent nationwide study, with a ratio of less than two facilities per 100,000 people.
CP NEWS: New Charleston school board chair shares top priorities for 2024. Keith Grybowski of Mount Pleasant said his top priorities are balancing the district’s budget and implementing new statewide curriculums.
CP NEWS: Alternative spirit shop Sechey now available at Target. 1,300 stores across the country are stocked with five nonalcoholic beverage packs exclusive to Target, just in time for dry January.
In other news:
Charleston’s departing mayor mostly satisfied, looks ahead. Outgoing Charleston mayor John Tecklenburg looks back at what he’s accomplished for the city during his tenure and what’s in store ahead now that he’s done.
Historic Charleston Foundation wants Nathaniel Russell house to stay accessible. The Historic Charleston Foundation said they will do their best to ensure the Nathaniel Russell House remains accessible to the public as the group moves forward with its plan to sell the house museum.
Charleston’s annual MLK Jr. Day parade scheduled for Jan. 15. The YWCA of Greater Charleston’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade is set to take place Jan. 15 in downtown Charleston.
Charleston launches website highlighting West Ashley restaurants. The City of Charleston has launched a new website to help community members find restaurants in West Ashley.
Charleston Housing Authority reconstructing, redeveloping public housing units. The Charleston Housing Authority plans to tear down 286 units at Cooper River Courts, built in the 1940s, and add over 1,000 new workforce and affordable housing units in its place.
Retiring Trident Tech president receives national award. Outgoing Trident Tech president Mary Thornley received national recognition during a ceremony on Jan. 4 at Charleston City Hall with the President’s Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award.
Johnson Hagood Stadium could be largest concert venue in Charleston peninsula. The Citadel announced a partnership with Southern Entertainment to bring a new concert series to Johnson Hagood Stadium with the goal to bring internationally-known musicians and world-class entertainment to Charleston.
Folly Beach councilman to resign. Folly Beach city councilman Eddie Ellis announced via Facebook that he is resigning from his position, effective March 30 “in the name of love.”
- To get dozens of South Carolina news stories every business day, contact the folks at SC Clips.
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