Monday, November 5, 2018
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VIDEO: Roper St. Francis Healthcare experts say get your flu shot now
An infectious disease threatens thousands in the Lowcountry and could be easily avoided with one simple shot. While there is no way to predict how bad this flu season will be, a flu shot coupled with a wellness exam is a great gift of health as winter approaches.
“Last year was one of the worst flu seasons in South Carolina in recent memory, and it’s vital that people of all ages take action now to protect themselves from this very preventable condition,” said Dr. Robert Oliverio, VP & CEO of Roper St. Francis Physician Partners. “Along with getting a flu shot, speak with your medical provider about your overall health and get an overall wellness exam. These are things you can’t get done at your corner chain drug store.”
People 65 and older were most afflicted last season, accounting for 57 percent of all flu-associated hospitalizations and 72 percent of all flu-associated deaths statewide.
Last season’s flu facts, according to SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
SC: 131,570 flu cases, 4,489 hospitalizations and 289 deaths
Lowcountry: nearly 25,000 flu cases, 1,032 hospitalizations and 60 deaths
Late January and early February are peak times for flu cases
These are just reported numbers to the state, actual flu numbers likely are far higher.
Roper St. Francis has the Lowcountry’s largest network of physicians and Express Care facilities, and we’re ready to help you fight the flu while getting established with a primary care doctor.
Your flu news source
Roper St. Francis has experts and patients available to speak with media on a wide variety of flu-related topics including: