Here’s a look at health and environmental news from around South Carolina.

Flu cases on the rise in South Carolina, Charleston County

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) – Flu hospitalizations more than doubled in South Carolina during a two-week stretch in December, according to a recent report from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

The report compared flu cases during the weeks of Dec. 10-17 and Dec. 17-23.

Doctors in Charleston County have noticed the spike in flu cases as well.

DHEC provides tips to avoid Carbon Monoxide poisoning

COLUMBIA, SC (FOX Carolina) – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is providing tips for avoiding Carbon Monoxide poisoning as cold weather spreads across the state.

According to DHEC, nine South Carolinians die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning. DHEC lists gas-powered generators, charcoal grills, propane stoves, charcoal briquettes, motor vehicles, boats, power washers and other gas powered tools as sources of carbon monoxide poisoning.

General Interest

CDC: 36 states report widespread flu virus

OCEAN TOWNSHIP – According to the Centers for Disease Control, 36 states are reporting widespread flu virus.

Doctors say there’s still time to get a flu shot. Inside Central Jersey Urgent Care, Dr. Markintosh Barthelemy has diagnosed 20 patients with the flu this week. Nearly all had one common denominator: Only one of the patients had the flu vaccine.