COLUMBIA -Influenza, or “the flu,” has officially arrived in South Carolina, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control reported Thursday.

“We have confirmed the Influenza A strain in a Dorchester County woman,” said Dr. Jennifer Meredith, of DHEC’s Division of Diagnostic Microbiology. “This is the time of year we would expect to see the flu.”

“Influenza is a naturally occurring viral disease that causes respiratory infections,” said Lena M. Bretous, MD, MPH, of DHEC’s Bureau of Disease Control. “Symptoms may include a sudden onset of fever, dry cough, headache, muscle aches and tiredness, followed sometimes by a sore throat, nasal congestion, and more severe coughing.”

Dr. Bretous said the strain found in the Dorchester County case was confirmed by DHEC Dec. 21.

The flu case was detected through DHEC’s annual statewide laboratory-based Influenza Surveillance Program that includes surveillance partnerships with volunteer private practice physician offices, hospitals, colleges and nursing homes throughout the state. Physicians may obtain collection kits by calling the laboratory at (803) 896-0819. There is no charge for this service.

“Our residents can reduce the chance of spreading flu and other viruses by covering their cough, washing their hands often and staying home from work if they have a respiratory virus,” Dr. Bretous said.