Flu season has arrived in state
Several cases of Influenza A H1virus have been confirmed

COLUMBIA - Influenza, or "the flu," has officially arrived in South Carolina, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

"DHEC's Bureau of Laboratories has confirmed the Influenza A H1virus in three people in Beaufort County," said Jennifer Meredith, Ph.D., of DHEC's Division of Diagnostic Microbiology. "The flu cases were confirmed 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.

"Physicians may obtain collection kits by calling the laboratory at (803) 896-0819," Meredith said. "There is no charge for the service."

"This flu season there has been more vaccine available than ever before," said Lena M. Bretous, M.D., of DHEC's Bureau of Disease Control. "It is still not too late to get a flu shot to protect yourself since the flu season might not peak until February. We recommend a flu shot for anyone who wants to reduce their risk from flu and its complications.

"Influenza is a naturally occurring viral disease that causes respiratory infections. 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. Our residents can reduce the chance of spreading flu and other viruses by covering their cough, washing their hands often and staying home if they are sick," Dr. Bretous said. "It's never too late to get a flu shot, but why wait to get the protection the vaccine offers?"

"Although the majority of our flu clinics have been held, many of DHEC's public health departments across the state will be offering additional opportunities to people who want protection from a disease that can be deadly, especially to children and people over 65 or with chronic diseases," Dr. Bretous said.

Prices for the shots vary; at DHEC clinics, there is a $25 charge for the vaccination. Medicare and Medicaid will cover the costs for those who are eligible, so bring your card with you if you have one, however the shot will be provided regardless of ability to pay.

Medicare Advantage enrollees should contact their plans to learn whether a certain provider needs to provide the flu shot.

Free flu vaccine is also provided to children and adolescents eligible for the DHEC Vaccine Assurance For All Children Immunization Partnership in many doctors' offices, community health centers and DHEC's county public health departments.

Find more information about flu vaccination, clinic times and locations at http://www.scdhec.gov/flu, or call DHEC's Immunization Division at (803) 898-0460 (toll free, 1-800-277-4687).