A child in South Carolina has died from flu-related complications, according to an update released Wednesday by the state Department of Public Health (DPH). This is the first pediatric fatality in South Carolina this flu season.
In a press release, DPH noted widespread flu activity across the state over the past several weeks, with an increase in flu cases, and hospitalizations. Prior to this report, as of January 3, twenty-five flu-associated deaths were reported in South Carolina during this flu season.
State health officials remind that the flu shot is the best defense against the virus, complications and deaths. In addition to the flu shot, South Carolinians are encouraged to receive any updated vaccines for respiratory illnesses, including COVID and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.
DPH recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older who is eligible get vaccinated. It takes about two weeks for the body to build up protection after getting the flu vaccine, so it’s important to get vaccinated soon to prevent more illnesses since flu has already spread widely in South Carolina and other states.
While the flu can circulate any time of year, for surveillance purposes, the season began Sept. 28, 2025. DPH provides a weekly Flu Watch report published each Wednesday.
More information about preventing the flu is available at DPH's flu webpage. Respiratory illness activity in the state may be monitored by following Flu Watch and the Respiratory Disease Watch, which are updated every Wednesday.