As omicron variant hits South Carolina, DHEC warns of potential 'twindemic' of COVID, flu

With holiday joy among us, state health officials are warning of a possible "twindemic" of COVID-19 and the flu if more people don't get their shots.

"While last year may have been an anomaly due to COVID-19, this year's numbers are still significantly higher than numbers we saw pre-pandemic," Dr. Jane Kelly, assistant state epidemiologist with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control stated Tuesday.

"We know there have been talks of a 'twindemic' with COVID and the flu. And that's the last thing we want to see in South Carolina and the rest of the nation. So we strongly encourage all eligible people to get their flu shots, as well as their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters."

In addition, DHEC recommends people continue to wear masks when indoors in public places, and to practice social distancing when possible.

As for the highly contagious omicron variant of COVID-19, South Carolina has officially reported three cases as of Dec. 20 – all found in the Charleston area by scientists at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Earlier this week, Clemson University announced it had found 10 omicron-variant cases on campus.

"We knew it was only a matter of time before we would see confirmed cases of the omicron variant here in South Carolina," DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer stated when DHEC confirmed the first cases Dec. 15.

Flu cases up in SC over last year

Seasonal flu cases are up over last year at this time. From Dec. 5 to 11, South Carolina reported 775 confirmed flu cases. Compared to the same week last year, the state saw just 50 cases. And in 2019, it reported 309 cases.

From Dec. 12-18, there were 1,095 confirmed flu cases statewide. with 19 hospitalizations. In the current flu season, there have been 104 flu-related hospitalizations and two deaths in South Carolina.

Flu activity n the Upstate is below the state average, while it's above average in some Midlands and Lowcountry counties. Countywide flu totals were not available.

COVID-19 cases rising in SC in recent weeks

Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 cases continues to pile up statewide, with 2,220 new confirmed and probable cases on Dec. 21. That number has been rising overall since Nov. 8, when 348 cases were reported.

Since DHEC began tracking daily COVID-19 case numbers in March 2020, there have been 944,574 total cases statewide through Dec. 21.

Also, there were 15 deaths during the week ending Dec. 20, bringing the total statewide to 14,528 deaths since March 2020.

Booster shots recommended: DHEC supports CDC advice for vaccinated adults to get their COVID-19 booster shot

In Spartanburg County through Dec. 20, there have been 64,527 cases; 3,327 hospitalizations and 1,268 deaths since March 2020.

Greenville County has had 110,588 cases; 3,115 hospitalizations; and 1,555 deaths.

Anderson County has had 38,942 cases; 1,421 hospitalizations and 811 deaths, according to DHEC.

South Carolina health officials warn that based on the track record of the omicron variant in the United Kingdom, the numbers could quickly rise.

Omicron detected in SC: Omicron variant detected in South Carolina, according to scientists at MUSC

Hospital occupancy rates dip in SC

Meanwhile, hospital occupancy rates statewide took a dip recently.

As of Dec. 20, there were 7,730 hospital beds being occupied – 4.9% lower than the prior week; and an occupancy rate of 79.4%, 3.7% lower than the prior week.

There were 538 COVID-19-positive patients hospitalized as of Dec. 20, 6.3% lower than the prior week; 77 COVID-19 patients on ventilators, 11.6% higher than the prior week; and 169 COVID-19-positive patients in the intensive care unit, 9.7% higher than the prior week.

In Greenville County, 1,099 beds were occupied out of a total of 1,305 beds, for an occupancy rate of 84.2%; with 82 of the beds occupied by COVID-19 patients. In the intensive care unit, 30 of the 198 beds currently occupied were filled by COVID-19-patients. There are a total of 222 ICU beds. Also, 17 of the 74 patients on ventilators were COVID-19 patients. There are 202 total ventilators.

In Spartanburg County, 582 out of 595 total beds were occupied, for a rate of 97.3%; with 36 of the beds occupied by COVID-19 patients. In the ICU, eight of the 67 beds occupied were by COVID-19 patients. There are a total of 77 ICU beds. Also, five of 33 patients on ventilators have COVID-19. There are a total of 90 ventilators.

In Anderson County, 259 beds out of 407 total beds were occupied, for a rate of 63.6%, with 51 of them occupied by COVID-19 patients. In the ICU, 16 of the 46 beds occupied were by COVID-19 patients. There are 61 total ICU beds. And eight of the 22 patients on ventilators were COVID-19 patients. There are a total of 62 ventilators.

Just half of those eligible in SC vaccinated

Meanwhile, 51.4% of all eligible South Carolinians ages 5 and above are considered fully vaccinated, according to DHEC. For those 12 and older, the rate of fully vaccinated was 55.9%; and the rate for children 5 to 11 was 6.2%.

Health officials have previously said that a vaccination rate of 70% to 80% is needed to reach herd immunity.

In Spartanburg County, 45.1% of all eligible residents ages 5 and above — or 135,582 out of 300,162 – were fully vaccinated.

In Greenville County, 52.4% of all eligible residents 5 and older — or 257,661 out of 491,051 — were fully vaccinated.

In Anderson County, 45.5% of all eligible 5 and older — or 86,782 out of 190,684 — were fully vaccinated.

Double up on COVID-19, flu shots

The average flu season runs from September to May and peaks from December through February. Because the flu and COVID-19 can have similar symptoms such as fever, chills, coughing or sore throat, anyone with symptoms should be tested, according to DHEC.

Kelly said it is safe to receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. It takes about two weeks for the body's immune system to respond for full protection, Kelly said.

"We need everyone on board for these life-saving immunizations if we're going to get through this pandemic and flu season with as few severe cases and deaths as possible," Kelly stated.

Advice for parents: Spartanburg parents: Here's what to know about the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11

For COVID-19 treatment, the Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday authorized the first orally administered antiviral pill from Pfizer for home use.

Clinical trials showed that the drug, called Paxlovid, showed a 90% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most at-risk for severe infections. Side effects are generally mild, according to DHEC.

Early supplies are expected to be limited, but the U.S. government has already committed to purchasing enough Pfizer pills to treat 10 million Americans, according to DHEC.

Another oral medication from Merck was authorized by the FDA on Thursday, Dec. 23.

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System encourages all eligible residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccination appointments can be made online at SpartanburgRegional.com/vaccine. Residents can also find many other vaccination locations by visiting DHEC's website.

Continued testing urged

Health officials note that during the holiday season, many Upstate residents need to be tested for COVID-19 – whether they are traveling, getting together with family or feeling sick.

Spartanburg Regional offers COVID-19 testing at its five immediate care centers. Test results are typically available within 24 to 36 hours. If you have symptoms and need to see a provider, you may be responsible for financial charges associated with your visit, according to S.

► Immediate Care Center – Eastside

► Immediate Care Center – Westside

► Immediate Care Center – Reidville Road

► Immediate Care Center – Gaffney

► Immediate Care Center – Pelham

To make an appointment, and check in online.

No-order, free COVID-19 testing also continues to be available at the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control’s drive-through location at the former Spartanburg Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Dealership, located at 1035 N. Church St. in Spartanburg. Operated in partnership with Spartanburg Regional, this testing location is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Additional testing opportunities can be found through the DHEC website.

Contact Bob Montgomery at bob.montgomery@shj.com.

This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Omicron variant and flu are combining for potential 'twindemic' in SC