South Carolina records first flu deaths of the season

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina has suffered its first flu deaths of the season.

The state Department of Health and Environmental reports Tuesday that four people in the state have died of flu-associated illnesses. The deaths were reported in the Upstate, Pee Dee and Lowcountry.

Officials say the flu season is just beginning and usually peaks in February.

DHEC is urging people older than six months to be vaccinated against this year’s strain of the flu. It takes about two weeks after being vaccinated for the body to build up resistance to the flu.