"Flu Surge Hits Southern States as CDC Reports Rising U.S. Levels"

South Carolina is experiencing a 'very high' level of flu activity, with the CDC reporting high flu activity in two-thirds of the U.S. Over 7 million cases have been estimated nationally, with 73,000 hospitalizations and 4,500 deaths. In South Carolina, there have been 25,068 lab-confirmed flu cases, 1,561 hospitalizations, and 18 deaths this season. Upstate counties such as Oconee, Pickens, Greenville, Anderson, Laurens, Spartanburg, and Newberry are reporting flu cases above the state's baseline. Hospitals like Prisma and Spartanburg Regional have implemented visitation restrictions due to the surge. Health officials are urging vaccinations and prompt medical attention for those who fall ill.