SCDPH confirms season’s first pediatric flu-related death in SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– SCDPH says the first pediatric flu-related death of the season has happened.

On Wednesday, Jan. 7, the department announced the death of a child in the Upstate Region from complications due to the flu.

Health officials say prior to the child’s death there were twenty-five flu-associated deaths reported in South Carolina this flu season.

“We’ve seen widespread flu activity across the state over the past several weeks, with an increase in flu cases, and hospitalizations,” states Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist and DPH’s director of the Health Programs Branch.

While the flu can circulate any time of year, for surveillance purposes, the season began Sept. 28, 2025.

DPH provides a weekly Flu Watch report published each Wednesday.

To prevent complications and deaths, health officials suggest that everyone in South Carolina get their flu shots as well as updated vaccines for respiratory illnesses, including COVID, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

DPH recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older who is eligible get vaccinated.

It takes about two weeks for the body to build up protection after getting the flu vaccine, so it’s important to get vaccinated soon to prevent more illnesses since flu has already spread widely in South Carolina and other states, according to the Department of Public Health.

The flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines can be obtained at a retail pharmacy, health care provider or DPH health department.

Flu vaccines offered at DPH health department clinics are available by appointment.

Call 1-855-472-3432 to make an appointment or go to the DPH website to find the nearest location.

More information about preventing the flu is available at DPH’s flu webpage.