The City of Charleston Health and Wellness Advisory Committee highlighted a concerning rise in respiratory illnesses during their recent meeting on January 8, 2025. Health officials reported a significant spike in flu infections, with Charleston County experiencing an influenza-like illness (ILI) rate of nearly 8% among all medical visits in the last week of December. This trend mirrors pre-COVID patterns, suggesting a resurgence of flu cases as the community returns to normalcy after years of pandemic-related precautions.

During the meeting, it was noted that the county recorded 312 hospitalizations due to flu-related complications in that same week, accounting for nearly half of the total hospitalizations this season. Tragically, there were also two reported deaths linked to the flu during that period.

The committee emphasized the importance of public awareness and preventive measures as the respiratory virus season continues. With the flu season paralleling previous years, officials are urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their health and the health of the community.

As the situation develops, the committee plans to monitor flu trends closely and provide updates to ensure that Charleston County residents remain safe and healthy during this challenging season.