It's here. Flu is documented in South Carolina : News : MidlandsConnect.com

It's here. Flu is documented in South Carolina

Posted: 10.16.2012 at 3:44 PM

Drew Stewart

Drew Stewart joined the WACH Fox News assignment desk in December 2011.

It's here. The dreaded flu has arrived in the Palmetto State, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control

/ FILE

COLUMBIA (WACH) - It's here. The dreaded flu has arrived in the Palmetto State, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

“Our agency’s Bureau of Laboratories has confirmed three cases in the first official week of the new flu season,” said Jennifer Meredith, Ph.D., of DHEC's Division of Microbiology.

“The confirmation of flu in our state reinforces the need for vaccination against this dangerous illness,” said Linda Bell, M.D. and interim state epidemiologist. “We recommend the flu vaccine for everyone six months of age or older. Vaccination remains the single best way to prevent the flu.

“Flu season typically peaks in February in South Carolina. But you should get vaccinated as soon as possible to give your body time to strengthen its natural resistance to the virus before you are exposed,” Dr. Bell said. “We strongly recommend flu vaccine for anyone who wants to reduce their risk from flu and its complications.”

Influenza is a naturally occurring viral disease that causes respiratory infections. Symptoms may include:
•A sudden onset of fever
•Dry cough
•Headache
•Muscle aches
•Tiredness
•Sore throat
•Nasal congestion or stuffiness.

“You can reduce the chance of spreading flu and other viruses by covering your cough with a tissue or your sleeve, washing your hands often and staying home if you get sick,” Dr. Bell said. “It's never too late to get vaccinated against the flu, but the sooner the better.”

DHEC is only one of many flu shot providers. Check to see if your healthcare provider is offering flu shots.

Prices for the vaccine vary. DHEC clinics charge $25, which Medicare and Medicaid will cover for those who provide proof of eligibility. DHEC clinics will assure that individuals without the means to pay for flu vaccine can receive the flu vaccine at no charge. Medicare Advantage enrollees should contact their plans to learn whether their provider offers the vaccination under the program. Flu vaccine is also provided to eligible children and adolescents through the CDC’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and the state vaccine program at many doctors' offices, community health centers and DHEC county public health departments. Persons with insurance coverage for the flu vaccine should seek a provider who can bill their insurance plan. Starting with the 2013-14 flu season, DHEC clinics will focus their limited resources on residents who are uninsured, underinsured, or cannot receive their vaccination elsewhere.

To learn where and when influenza vaccine will be offered in your area, visit http://www.scdhec.gov/flu/clinic-options.htm. More information about influenza in South Carolina can be found at http://www.scdhec.gov/flu.

Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them; they are not reflective of the views or opinions of Barrington Broadcasting, WACH, its directors or employees. If you believe a comment violates the Barrington Terms of Use, please flag it above.

Popular Stories

Arrest made in 'vicious beating' of teens in Richland County
WACH Fox News Center | Yesterday at 6:05 PM | 1 comment

SLED investigating deadly shooting involving West Columbia officer
Kara Durrette | Yesterday at 6:20 PM | 2 comments

USC football commit cites academics as factor
Brian McConchie | Yesterday at 10:40 PM

Follow Midlands Connect

Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below

submit

Special Features

MoneyWACH

Financial tips & tricks from Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union

Mission Midlands

A program from the Oliver Gospel Mission

MOJO Gallery

View and share your pictures from around the Midlands

Find it, click it, use it... your neighborhood business guide.

Latest Headlines

SC House passes 2013-14 budget compromise
The House barely passed a legislative compromise on how to spend $6.7 billion in state taxes.
read more »
Feds charge 33 in Ga. gun trafficking case
TV ad criticizes Sen. Graham for supporting MOX
Infant killed in crash - driver charged with felony DUI
Connecticut gun maker moving to South Carolina
Cops: SC homeowner shoots, kills alleged intruder

Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands