SC Flu Deaths up Sharply Compared with Last Season

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) _ State health officials say the number of deaths from the flu this year are up sharply, compared with last season. The Post and Courier of Charleston reports that more people have died from the flu since September that died in the previous two seasons combined. The Department of Health and Environmental Control says 141 flu-related deaths this season. Fewer than 80 people died during last season’s outbreak. Four years ago, 20 people died from the flu in South Carolina. DHEC reports nearly 3,000 patients have been admitted to hospitals with the flu this season. Fewer than 2,000 people were hospitalized in each of the last two flu seasons. Dr. Steve Shelton with Palmetto Health Richland in Columbia says the season appears to have peaked in December.