Residents encouraged to get vaccinated as Flu season begins

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– SC Department of Public Health is recommending residents take steps to get a annual flu shot as the flu season begins.

Flu season in the United States begins in October and extends through May, typically peaking between December and February.

The best protection against the illness is the flu shot, according to health officials.

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

“Because it takes about two weeks for your body to develop protection after receiving the flu vaccine, we encourage anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated yet to do so before flu activity increases,” says Dr. Abdoulaye Diedhiou, State Epidemiologist. “Getting vaccinated helps prevent illness, reduces the risk of severe complications, and protects the broader community.”

Each year in South Carolina, an average of 250 people die due to complications from the flu, including four pediatric deaths, says DPH.

DPH keeps the public informed about influenza activity throughout the year through Flu Watch, a report published each Wednesday.

Additional information about flu and the flu vaccine is also available at DPH’s flu webpage.