Around September until mid-November we are stressed the importance of getting the flu shot, but in 2018 it doesn’t seemed to have worked so well with a prevention rate of only 30%. Charleston County has faced more than 300 flu cases reported in the last week and almost a thousand cases were reported in Greenville County. At MUSC alone, 106 tested positive for Influenza A and Influenza B between January 3rd to January 10th. Fifteen deaths have already been accounted for this season and thirteen of them were people 65 years or older.

MUSC along with Trident and Summerville Medical Centers placed restrictions on visitors due to the severity of flu-related illnesses in the Lowcountry. Only the patient’s immediate family including spouses, children, and direct caregivers are allowed in the buildings. Children under the age of 12 regardless of relation to the patient are highly discouraged from visiting. These restrictions are set in place until January 29th but will be reassessed earlier in the month.

If you are experiencing fever, sore throat, body aches, chills, runny or stuff nose, headache and fatigue you most likely have the flu. Get to the doctor as soon as possible so you can be prescribed with Tamiflu, an antiviral medicine which makes symptoms less severe and speeds the recovery period. To avoid getting the flu in the first place, you should remain hydrated, eat nutritious foods, and exercise which will strengthen your immune system.

Nico Mallozzi, a ten year old boy from New Canaan, Connecticut, attended a hockey tournament in neighboring New York state. Nick started to feel ill and was taken to the emergency room, where he was diagnosed with the flu. On Sunday, his health took a turn for the worst and he unfortunately died soon after. Medical professionals strongly encourage going to the doctor as soon as you experience flu-like symptoms. Also, make sure to get vaccinated now because it’s not too late!