South Carolina reports second-highest flu rate in the nation

OKATIE, S.C. (WTOC)- Flu numbers are rising in the Lowcountry, according to a nurse practitioner at Beaufort Memorial Express Care.Angela Olsen said her team has seen an increase in flu A cases over the past several weeks. State health data shows more than 1,000 people tested positive for the flu in one week.Symptoms and recoveryFlu symptoms can linger for seven to 10 days. Olsen said rest is important during recovery and encouraged people with a fever to stay home.“Pushing through just exhausts your body and it can only fight so many things at one time,” she said.Olsen also encouraged families to help teachers keep classroom surfaces clean.“I’m always telling my school teachers, families, donate those Lysol wipes to your teacher’s classrooms,” she said. “Donate that Lysol spray so that they can keep their surfaces clean.”When to seek careOlsen said people whose fever, runny nose or body aches do not stop after taking over-the-counter medicine should visit a doctor’s office.An antivira