Health officials urge vaccinations as hospitals prepare for potentially severe season.
ROCK HILL, S.C. — As flu cases continue to rise across South Carolina — and the busy Thanksgiving travel season draws near — health officials are sounding the alarm. They’re urging residents to get vaccinated and take simple precautions to prevent what could become a severe flu season.
State health officials say flu activity is now considered widespread, meaning the virus is circulating throughout South Carolina.
“We are trying to be far more vigilant about spreading awareness of the flu season,” Rebecca Caprice, a nurse practitioner in the ICU at Piedmont Medical Center, said.
Caprice says holiday travel could play a major role in driving up flu cases over the next few weeks.
“It’s likely coming soon, especially once we get to the Thanksgiving holiday and everyone starts gathering, especially when people travel from out of town,” Caprice said.
Recent state data shows a slight increase in emergency room visits due to the flu. Health experts say the flu shot remains the best defense against severe illness, especially for children, seniors and those with chronic health conditions.
But, they also point to everyday practices that can reduce the spread: wiping down surfaces, washing hands more often, staying home when sick and even masking in crowded public places.
“Having that awareness, it is important to try to prevent it from spreading, because there really are a lot of people who are just in general, at risk of getting severe flu that could kill them,” Caprice said.
Rock Hill resident Aerris Smith says she’s already taking precautions to protect her family.
“My young daughter in daycare — if you have any small kids, she comes home with something one day and it seems to hit me for a week while she’s on and going,” Smith said. “So just trying to be mindful of that. And so vaccines, wash my hands… just all the things you’re taught in school.”
Health officials say flu season usually peaks in January or February, but this year, numbers are climbing in November. Doctors warn it could be a long winter if cases continue to rise at the current rate.
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