Hospitalizations down, but SC still leads among respiratory illnesses says DHEC
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Hospitalizations from the flu and Covid-19 have slowed down according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. But South Carolina is still a leading state among cases of respiratory illnesses.
Dr. Martha Buchanan, Lead Medical Consultant with the agency, says they’ll still be keeping an eye on those numbers.
“I do not think it’s time for us to let our guard down yet, I think all of us need to be diligent about taking care of ourselves and our community and our friends and family by following the simple and preventative measures,” Dr. Buchanan says.
And your best preventative measure, Dr. Buchanan says, is getting vaccinated.
DHEC reports that just above six percent of South Carolinians have their most up-to-date Covid-19 vaccine, which was released last September.
And while around 50% of the state’s senior population have gotten their flu vaccine, Dr. Buchanan reports that only about 15% of folks younger than 65 years of age are vaccinated for the flu.
If you do get sick, Dr. Buchanan says stay home.
“Stay home if you get sick, and it’s not just with a respiratory illness. Stay home if you’re sick and you have a stomach bug. So if you’re sick you need to stay home and away from others. Most people who get flu and Covid-19 aren’t going to have to seek medical care, but some people might,” she says.
Among the most vulnerable populations include seniors, young children and babies, pregnant women, and people with heart or lung disease.
“If you do have to go to the emergency room or a medical office, wear a mask so you reduce the risk of sharing that with someone in the waiting room. And if you do get sick, we encourage you to stay home until you’re feeling better and don’t have a fever for at least 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medication,” says Dr. Buchanan.
Covid tests are available and many are still free. To search Covid-19 testing locations with DHEC, click here.
