Officials urge people to get flu vaccine

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– As flu season continues, doctors with Prisma Health are urging folks to get the flu vaccine, and wash your hands.

According to Infectious Diseases Dr. Helmut Albrecht, positive flu tests are being seen earlier this year which he says typically translates into a “bad flu season.”

Symptoms of influenza include body aches, cough, dehydration, and fever.

Prisma Health reports that Covid and RSV numbers are ramping up as well, though not as dramatically as the flu.

Dr. Albrecht says your best defense remains the vaccine, and hand-washing.

Doctors say urgent care facilities can perform testing and prescribe treatment when appropriate.

And while antiviral medications are available, they work best within 48 to 72 hours of symptom onset.