South Carolina has second-worst flu problem in the country

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. - Health experts report widespread flu activity in South Carolina, and it’s affecting local schools.

State surveillance data for the week of Oct. 25–31 show South Carolina is now in “widespread” flu status, with every major flu indicator on the rise. The Department of Public Health says 1,079 lab‑confirmed flu tests were reported that week alone, bringing the total to 2,279 lab‑confirmed cases so far this season. That’s far higher than at the same point in recent past seasons.

Hospitalizations are also increasing. Sixty hospitals reported 137 flu‑related hospitalizations for the last week of October, for a cumulative hospitalization rate of 6.9 per 100,000 people this season. Since early October, there have been 350 influenza‑associated hospitalizations statewide. Older adults have been hit hardest: people 65 and older account for more than half of those hospitalizations.

At least one local school is keeping kids home from class for a couple of days.

Although the outbreak is not as bad in Georgia, experts in both states urge vaccination.

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention map of flu activity levels by state shows South Carolina in orange, which indicates the second‑highest level of activity in the country.

The state’s own Flu Watch report confirms that activity level as “high,” and labels overall influenza activity as “widespread.”

The CDC map was last updated Oct. 31, so levels could be higher now.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health reports 2,279 lab‑confirmed flu cases so far this season, almost all of them influenza A. Roughly 99 percent of tests this season have been type A, with a small number of type B cases.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's national flu tracker map. (Contributed) All indications are this flu season is getting an early start. State data show flu‑like activity and hospitalizations running well above what South Carolina typically saw by this week in the last few years.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health says “influenza‑like illness” activity is high, and 5.1% of patient visits to sentinel providers were attributed to an “influenza‑like illness” for the week ending Oct. 31.

That’s significantly higher than the state baseline of 3.2%.

Providers reporting into the state’s flu network came from 20 counties across all public health regions, suggesting the virus is circulating broadly, not just in one pocket of the state.

No flu deaths were reported in South Carolina during the last week of October. However, the state has recorded two influenza‑associated deaths so far this season, both in people 65 and older.

Georgia’s level is rated low.

Local schools affected Although Curtis Baptist School is in downtown Augusta, it’s affected by the flu outbreak.

“We are experiencing a significant increase in illness throughout our school community, including a growing number of confirmed influenza cases,” parents were told in a letter Monday morning. “Today, more than one-third of our students are absent, along with several members of our faculty and staff.”

The school decided to close on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the Veterans Day program scheduled for Wednesday is being rescheduled.

The school expects to reopen Thursday if staffing and illness conditions allow.

The private Brentwood School in Sandersville was also affected, closing for at least two days in late October due to flu cases.

S.C. flu stats: By the numbers Status: “Widespread” flu activity statewide, with overall ILI (flu‑like illness) activity rated high. Lab‑confirmed flu: 1,079 new lab‑confirmed cases reported for the week of Oct. 25–31; 2,279 lab‑confirmed cases so far this 2026–27 season. Virus type: About 99% of cases this season are influenza A; influenza B remains rare. Doctor visits: 5.1% of patient visits to sentinel providers were for influenza‑like illness, above the 3.2% state baseline. Hospitalizations: 137 new flu‑associated hospitalizations were reported that week; 350 so far this season, with the highest hospitalization rate in adults 65 and older. Deaths: No flu deaths reported during the last week of October; two influenza‑associated deaths this season, both among people 65 and older. 2026-Flu-Watch-MMWR-WK-43.pdf by steven.byerly

The importance of vaccination The Georgia Department of Public Health urges Georgians to get vaccinated against the flu now. With Thanksgiving just two weeks away, you still have time to protect yourself, your family and your friends.

“The single most effective way to prevent the flu is the flu vaccine. Everyone over the age of six months should get a flu vaccine, with rare exceptions,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, commissioner, Georgia Department of Public Health.

All 2026–2027 seasonal influenza vaccines protect against three flu strains: influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2), and influenza B/Victoria virus.

Several flu vaccine options are available:

Standard flu shot: Approved for ages 6 months and older Flublok: Egg‑free; ages 9 and older mRNA shot: Adults ages 50 and older Enhanced vaccines: Adults 65 and older Nasal spray (FluMist): A liquid mist Public health officials in South Carolina say vaccination is especially important now that flu‑like illness has climbed above baseline and hospitalizations are rising weeks earlier than usual.

Treatment options Several treatment options are available for people who get the flu. All are best taken within 48 hours of symptoms.

Tamiflu: a five-day pill, taken twice daily Xofluza: taken once; approved for ages 5 and older Relenza: an inhaled powder, taken twice for five days Peramivir (Rapivab): an IV given in a hospital Doctors say early treatment is especially important for people at higher risk of complications, including young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions and adults 65 and older.

Preventing infection Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the next best option if you don’t have access to soap and water. Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or arm to help prevent spreading the flu. Avoid touching your face, as the virus can get into the body through the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes. If you are sick, stay home from school or work.

South Carolina has second-worst flu problem in the country

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