News Summary
South Carolina is experiencing a severe surge in flu cases as the 2024-2025 flu season escalates, with high levels of hospitalization and fatalities. The CDC reports over 40,000 confirmed cases this season, with a significant rise in flu-related hospital admissions from the previous year. Health officials urge residents, especially those over six months, to get vaccinated. Despite the alarming statistics, community cooperation and public health initiatives are essential for managing the ongoing outbreak effectively.
South Carolina is grappling with an alarming surge in flu cases as the 2024-2025 flu season progresses, reaching critical levels as categorized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of mid-February 2025, the state has consistently reported “very high” influenza activity, positioning it among only nine states at Level 13—the highest level on the CDC’s flu activity scale.
The CDC has identified South Carolina as continuing to struggle with significant flu spread since late December 2024, with particular escalation noted during the week of February 2-8, 2025. In that week alone, South Carolina reported over 10,000 lab-confirmed flu tests, showcasing a sharp increase from the mere 1,750 cases registered during the same week the previous year. With a total of 40,324 confirmed flu cases thus far this season, officials are highlighting the pressing need for public awareness and preventive measures.
The number of flu-associated hospitalizations in South Carolina has skyrocketed during this period, with the health departments reporting 1,284 hospital admissions from flu-related issues, starkly up from just 145 the previous year. Additionally, there were 22 flu-related deaths reported during the week of January 26 to February 1, 2025, more than double the nine deaths seen in the same timeframe in 2024.
Overall, the CDC has estimated that the flu has led to 33 million illnesses, 430,000 hospitalizations, and 19,000 deaths across the U.S. this season. These statistics stress the importance of continued public health interventions and emphasize the variable nature of flu seasons, with this year’s peak occurring later than typical.
Flu activity in South Carolina first began to rise moderately in early December 2024. By December 15, activity levels were categorized as high, and by the following week, they had escalated to very high. The sustained high levels have persisted through January and into February, reinforcing the need for statewide health initiatives and community cooperation in combating the disease’s spread.
In light of the ongoing surge, health officials are urging all residents, especially those over the age of six months, to obtain a flu vaccine as a preventive measure. The recommendation comes amidst widespread flu activity that has prompted health departments across South Carolina to advise residents on protective measures against the flu.
As the flu season persists, South Carolina joins states like New Jersey, Louisiana, Tennessee, and New Hampshire in reporting the highest flu activity in the nation. The combined efforts of healthcare professionals, public health agencies, and community members are essential to navigate this challenging health climate and ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
In conclusion, while South Carolina currently faces an intense flu season characterized by elevated case rates and hospitalizations, the state’s health authorities are active in promoting vaccination and preventive measures to mitigate the impact of this contagious illness.
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Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
