Flu flares in CSRA with scome schools closing as virus strikes early

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. - Health experts report widespread flu activity, and it’s affecting local schools.CDC data for the week of Oct. 25–31 (the latest figures available) shows South Carolina is now in “widespread” flu status, with every major flu indicator on the rise. At least two schools haave kept kids home from class for a couple of days.And although the outbreak is not as bad in Georgia, experts in both states urge vaccination.The two-state outbreakGEORGIAAlthough Georgia’s overall flu activity is still categorized as low, state surveillance shows the virus is already having a serious impact. For the week ending Oct. 31, Georgia reported 103 influenza‑related hospitalizations in metro areas and eight flu outbreaks, for a total of 304 hospitalizations and 29 outbreaks since early October.The Georgia Department of Public Health also confirmed two influenza‑associated deaths in in that week, bringing the state’s total to nine flu‑related deaths so far this season. Health officials say