COLUMBIA, S.C. — Flu has arrived in South Carolina weeks ahead of its usual pace, and state health data show it spreading widely across the state before Thanksgiving travel even begins.
The state Department of Public Health counted 1,489 lab-confirmed flu cases in the week that ended Nov. 7, pushing the season total to 3,770 since the 2026-27 season started in early October. At the same point a year ago, South Carolina had confirmed only 168 cases. Every major measure the agency tracks went up that week, and activity is now classified as widespread.
Hospitals are feeling it. The 64 hospitals that report to the state logged 202 new flu admissions for the week, more than half of them adults 65 and older. Adults ages 50 to 64 made up 46 of the admissions, and children and teens accounted for 17.
The agency also reported four more flu-related deaths, though three of them happened in earlier weeks. That brings the season total to six, and every person who died was 65 or older. The Upstate and the Lowcountry have each reported two of those deaths, while the Midlands and the Pee Dee have one apiece. Influenza A is the main strain circulating.
South Carolina is part of a broader early surge. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now lists it among seven states with high flu activity, along with California, Louisiana, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Washington, up from two states the week before. The CDC’s national estimate so far: 2.6 million or more flu illnesses, roughly 36,000 people hospitalized and about 2,100 deaths.
Most cases nationwide trace to a mutated H1N1 version of influenza A. Early data suggest this year’s vaccine still recognizes that strain, and health officials say the illness does not appear to be more severe than usual. They urge anyone who has not had a flu shot to get one now, even people who were already sick this fall, since the vaccine covers three flu strains. Anyone with significant symptoms should wait until they recover.
Weekly state numbers are posted in the Flu Watch report on the Department of Public Health website at dph.sc.gov.
From the HERE City State Desk
Filed under: Irmo SC Health News
