COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that the state has suffered its first influenza-associated death of the season, underscoring the seriousness of the disease as it circulates in our communities.

"Regrettably, a person from the Lowcountry region has died from the flu, becoming our first confirmed influenza-associated death of the season that officially started September 28,” said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist and director of DPH’s Health Programs Branch.

“Unfortunately, we see many deaths, hospitalizations and other serious complications of flu each year in our state,” Dr. Bell said. “Getting vaccinated against this disease is the best way to prevent severe illness and death, and I recommend that all of us who are able get our sho

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