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Published on October 18, 2022

Flu season gets early start at Tidelands Health, community members encouraged to get flu vaccine

Flu season has gotten an earlier-than-usual start along the Grand Strand, and Tidelands Health is strongly encouraging community members to get a flu shot.

A flu shot goes into the upper arm of a patient.The health system diagnosed more than 140 cases of the flu in September, which usually isn’t a busy flu month. Medical professionals typically don’t see a large number of flu cases until later into the fall and winter.

“It’s out of the ordinary for us to diagnose that many flu cases so early in the season,” said Dr. Sean Nguyen with Tidelands Health Family Medicine at The Market Common. “Early signs hint that we might experience an active season - especially compared to the past two pandemic years – so it’s important to get your flu shot now.”

Various factors are likely contributing to the early surge. For example, while many of the safeguards put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 also limited the spread of flu in recent years, spread is once again increasing now that those safeguards, such as masking and social distancing, are no longer in place. There may also be reduced population immunity because of the lack of flu activity since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

In addition, Australia and other places in the Southern Hemisphere just wrapped up a severe flu season, which often is an indicator of what the United States can expect in its flu season. Flu cases could increase significantly as the weather gets colder and people start spending more time indoors.

Flu seasons are tricky to predict - that’s why it’s always best to get a flu shot. The season often peaks between December and February, although significant activity can last into late May.

Individuals 6 months and older can get a flu shot. The shot is especially important for people who are at a higher risk of complications from the flu, including young children, adults 50 and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions and women who are pregnant.

“It takes about two weeks for the flu shot to become effective, so please plan to get your shot as soon as possible,” Dr. Nguyen said.

Everyone should aim to get a flu shot by the end of October. But if that’s not possible, it’s still important to get the flu shot for protection through the remainder of the flu season.

Patients can receive flu and COVID-19 booster shots during the same visit with a regularly scheduled appointment at Tidelands Health. To make an appointment, call 1-866-TIDELANDS.

In addition, flu shots and COVID-19 boosters are widely available at local pharmacies and other locations. For more information, visit scdhec.gov.

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Tidelands Health, in collaboration with MUSC Health, is the region’s largest health care provider, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 70 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.