COVID-19,Flu Cases Strain South Carolina Hospitals

SOUTH CAROLINA,USA – Doctors across South Carolina are seeing more COVID-19 and flu cases as winter begins.This is causing busy emergency rooms and concerns for families wanting to stay healthy for teh holidays.

Doctors say many respiratory illnesses have similar symptoms, making it hard to know what you have without a test.

“COVID, flu, RSV – these are common respiratory illnesses that look very similar,” said Dr.Jared Stone with Lexington Medical Center. “You might have a cough, runny nose, sore throat, body aches. Some people also get vomiting and diarrhea.”

South Carolina reported over 1,000 flu cases last week. Hospitals are also seeing more patients with COVID-19. Dr. Stone expects both viruses to continue spreading as people travel and spend time indoors during the holidays.