- Hospitals throughout the Lowcountry are tracking an increase in flu infections.
- Age plays a big role in these infections getting worse, with more hospitalized RSV cases occurring in children under four.
- Vaccination enhances your body’s ability to fight off disease, but it does not guarantee protection.
Hospitals throughout the Lowcountry are tracking an increase in flu infections, so they are advising people to keep cautious over the holidays. This time of year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is the height of flu season, with more than average incidences of COVID-19, RSV, and the flu.
Hospitalizations caused by “influenza-like viruses” have increased significantly, according to Dr. Robert Oliverio, Chief Medical Officer for Ambulatory Care and Population Health at Roper St. Francis Healthcare.
Long flu
Age plays a big role in these infections getting worse, with more hospitalized RSV cases occurring in children under four.
Elderly individuals may also be in danger from these viruses, particularly those who have additional medical disorders including diabetes, emphysema, heart issues, lung issues, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
It is advised to stay away from crowds and get vaccinated to prevent illness or minimize the intensity of symptoms. Vaccination enhances your body’s ability to fight off disease, but it does not guarantee protection.
Even if you are not concerned about yourself, vaccinations are still advised because they benefit others who are close to you.
There is always time to get vaccinated, and the rates of vaccination are low. For those over 60, Roper St. Francis provides COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations, and community vaccination opportunities abound.
