"SC Faces Surge in Respiratory Illnesses Amid Low Vaccination Rates and Holiday Gatherings"

South Carolina is experiencing a significant viral outbreak, with the state reporting the highest level of flu activity in the region, compounded by rising COVID-19 cases and other viruses. Low vaccination rates are a contributing factor, with only 22.68% of South Carolinians having received the flu shot and even lower rates for the updated COVID-19 booster. Public health officials are concerned about vaccine hesitancy, which has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitals are seeing a rise in admissions due to these viral infections, and there are reports of co-infections with multiple viruses, although these are rare. Health experts emphasize that it is not too late to get vaccinated, as the current flu vaccine is considered a good match for circulating strains.