Photo: South Carolina Department of Public Health     COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed on Wednesday the state’ first influenza-associated death of the season. Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist and director of DPH’s Health Programs Branch said, “Sadly, a person from the Midlands region has died from complications due to the flu, becoming our first confirmed influenza-associated death of the season that officially started September 29.” Dr. Bell also stated that getting vaccinated against the disease is the best way to prevent the flu, and recommends that all of us who are able to get the shot as soon as possible. DPH and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated. For people with increased risk of complications from the virus, including young children, pregnant women, people 65 and older, and those with chronic health conditions, preventing the flu is particularly important, according to the DPH. The flu can circulate any time of year, but for surveillance purposes, the flu season began Sept. 29. According to the DPH, it takes about two weeks for the body’s immune system to respond for full protection. The department provides a weekly Flu Watch report published each Wednesday. Categories: Local News, Richland Tags: flu-death, South Carolina, South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH)