Flu spiking in SC and now widespread. Here are the 12 counties where cases are the worst
Flu season is ramping up in South Carolina, with health officials reporting increased activity across all four regions of the Palmetto State.
The influenza virus, which spreads more easily during the colder months, is sending more residents to healthcare providers with symptoms including fever, cough, chills and runny noses.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu season typically peaks between December and February.
Current flu activity in SC
According to the latest report from the South Carolina Department of Public Health, 1,184 lab-confirmed flu cases were reported during the week of Dec. 7–13, marking an increase in activity statewide — with the report noting that activity was now considered widespread.
So far this season, South Carolina has recorded 2,811 lab-confirmed flu cases.
Statewide, 5.6% of patient visits to healthcare providers were for flu-like illness, which is above the state’s 3.2% baseline — indicating high flu activity, DPH says.
Flu-associated hospitalizations also increased, with 86 reported by 41 hospitals in the most recent week.
A total of 348 influenza-associated hospitalizations and six flu-related deaths have been reported this season.
Where is flu rising the most in SC?
While this report shows an increase of flu-activity across the state, 12 counties take the lead, with patient visits for the flu above the state baseline for the week.
These include:
- Greenville
- York
- Newberry
- Lexington
- Chesterfield
- Darlington
- Dillon
- Horry
- Berkeley
- Charleston
- Colleton
- Jasper
How flu spreads
The CDC says the influenza virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets released when infected people cough, sneeze or talk.
These droplets can be inhaled by people nearby or land on surfaces that others touch before touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
Symptoms & flu vaccines
Flu symptoms usually come on quickly and include:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
To help prevent illness and complications, the CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine each season, especially those at higher risk of severe illness, including those with certain chronic conditions.
Folks can find a nearby local pharmacy that provides vaccines at vaccinefinder.org. Flu vaccines are also offered at DPH health department clinics and are available by appointment, which can be made online or by calling 855-472-3432.
How to tell if I have the flu, a cold or COVID-19?
In addition to influenza viruses, several other respiratory viruses and other illnesses also spread during winter and can cause similar symptoms.
These respiratory viruses range from the common cold, COVID-19, human parainfluenza viruses, human metapneumovirus, respiratory adenoviruses, and other human coronaviruses.
The CDC states that testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis.
For more information on South Carolina’s 2025-2026 flu season, visit the SCDPH Flu Watch webpage.
This story was originally published December 19, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Flu spiking in SC and now widespread. Here are the 12 counties where cases are the worst."
