Data from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show South Carolina has the second highest activity level for flu right now. National health leaders have a weekly influenza report. That report outlines illnesses with symptoms of fever, sore throat, and cough.
South Carolina is just behind Louisiana as the two states recognized for high activity. The data is from the week of Oct. 31.
The CDC notes flu activity is higher than normal across the country. The state Department of Public Health says hospitalizations and lab-confirmed tests are on an upward trend.
Hospital groups responding
In response to the high flu activity, Prisma Health announced Tuesday it has temporary restrictions on visitation. Anyone under 15 years old may not visit patients in Prisma hospitals.
There is no set date for the restriction to be lifted. Prisma leaders say that will happen only when flu activity slows down.
Doctors are urging people who continue to visit Prisma to wear a mask and to stay home if they are feeling unwell. For now, this restriction only applies to Prisma locations in South Carolina.
