A winter storm is not the only thing to worry about in South Carolina.

While flu cases have decreased since the first week of 2026, the state is still on alert for widespread flu activity.

Latest data from the South Carolina Department of Public Health shows that the influenza-like illness activity level is high and 6.4% of patient visits to hospitals that report flu activity were attributed to influenza-like illness.

That is nearly twice the state’s baseline of 3.7%.

Midland counties, such as Richland, Lexington and Newberry, had a higher percentage of influenza-like-illness patients than the state’s baseline as well.

And now with a winter storm on its way to South Carolina this weekend, there’s a chance flu rates can increase if sick individuals are stuck inside with their families for a prolonged period of time.

Here’s what a Prisma Health doctor had to say about the situation:

Chances are low, but not zero

“There’s always a concern that if we have extended time shut in our homes, in a family setting and have sick individuals, that there can potentially be an increased risk of spreading that infection to others who are in that household,” said Dr. Anna Kathryn Burch, a Prisma Health pediatrician who specializes in infectious diseases.

Close contact and poorly ventilated areas can make the virus spread easily to others. When winter comes, and people stay close together indoors, flu rates spike. That’s why flu season starts towards the end of the year.

Nevertheless, It’s not possible to know for sure if the winter storm will keep people in their houses long enough to make a difference.

“We always worry about flu rates going up in the winter time, and yes, being shut in with sick family and friends can increase the flu rate,” Burch said. “That being said, I’m hoping that this winter storm would only keep us indoors for a day or two, so I’m not sure how much of an effect that will have on the flu rate.”

To be cautious, it’s important to take care of yourself and wear a mask if you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms and end up in close quarters with others. Keep reminding yourself to wash your hands and drink plenty of fluids.

“What I recommend for those that are going to be shut in over the weekend ... is to make sure that if you are sick, try quarantining yourself away from your other family members, if possible,” Burch said.

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