Flu activity across South Carolina has climbed to widespread levels early in the season, with increases in confirmed cases, doctor visits, and hospitalizations during the first week of November.
According to the latest Flu Watch surveillance report released by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), every major flu indicator increased during the week ending Nov. 7. State health leaders reported 1,489 lab-confirmed influenza cases during the week, bringing the seasonal total to 3,770 cases since the 2026 - 27 flu season began in early October.
South Carolina had recorded just 168 lab-confirmed cases at this point during the 2025 - 26 season.
The surveillance report says Influenza A remains the dominant strain circulating in the state. Hospitalizations also rose compared to last week's report. 64 reporting hospitals logged 202 new hospitalizations.
The data show older adults make up the majority of hospital visits:
- Adults 65 and older accounted for more than half of the week's hospitalizations
- Adults ages 50 - 64 accounted for 46 hospitalizations
- Children and teens accounted for 17 total hospitalizations
In addition, DPH reported four new influenza-related deaths this week, though officials noted that three of those fatalities actually occurred during previous weeks. Six people have died from complications in South Carolina so far this season, all of whom were age 65 or older.
By region, two deaths have been reported in the Upstate, two in the Lowcountry, one in the Midlands, and one in the Pee Dee.
