Multiple hospitals in South Carolina are temporarily restricting child and teenage visitors as flu rates surge across the state, making it the second-highest in the nation for influenza activity. Starting Tuesday, Prisma Health will limit visitors aged 15 and younger, while Bon Secours St. Francis Downtown and Bon Secours St. Francis Eastside will bar anyone aged 16 and younger.
These restrictions are a proactive measure to protect patients and hospital staff during a period of heightened flu infection rates. Normal visitation policies are expected to resume once community illness levels subside. Hospitals routinely adjust these policies during times of increased flu activity, with exceptions sometimes made for critically ill patients.
According to the state's latest report covering October 25 to 31, South Carolina health officials confirmed 3,300 new flu cases, bringing the season's total to over 10,000. During this period, 742 flu-related hospitalizations have been recorded, including 359 new admissions in the most recent report.
Flu-like illnesses accounted for 5.1 percent of outpatient visits for the week ending October 31, exceeding the state's typical rate of 3.2 percent. The H1N1 strain of influenza A is currently the predominant strain circulating in the state and nationally. South Carolina has seen a significant increase in flu activity, moving from moderate to high levels according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC has warned that flu levels nationwide are higher than typically observed at this time of year and continue to rise. As of the week ending October 31, an estimated 1.7 million people have been sickened by the flu, a 70 percent increase from the previous week. Over 25,000 hospitalizations and 1,400 deaths are also estimated for the same period.
This early and rapid rise in flu cases nationwide is partly attributed to the H1N1 strain, which caused the 2009 pandemic. Experts suggest a new mutation in this strain may enhance its ability to evade previous immunity. However, health officials note that an earlier start to the flu season does not necessarily indicate it will be more severe than previous years.
Influenza, a highly contagious respiratory infection, typically causes symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. While most recover within a week, complications such as pneumonia can occur. Health officials recommend regular handwashing, avoiding contact with sick individuals, and staying hydrated. Antiviral medications may be prescribed in severe cases.