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‘Tis the Season’...influenza that is by Susan S. Barger, FNP Department of Family Medicine With the approach of winter comes the annual wave of influenza virus and with it the anticipated deaths of about 20,000 people in the United States. Influenza viruses can also cause global epidemics of disease, known as pandemics, during which rates of morbidity and mortality from influenza related complications can increase dramatically. Although influenza viruses cause disease in any age group, rates of infection are highest among children. Rates of serious morbidity and mortality are highest among persons older than 65 and persons of any age who have medical conditions that place them at high-risk for complications from influenza.  Influenza vaccine is the primary method for preventing influenza and its more severe complications  Uncomplicated influenza illness is characterized by the abrupt onset of constitutional and respiratory signs and symptoms. For example, myalgia or muscle aches, headache, severe malaise or fatigue, sore throat, rhinitis or runny nose, and nonproductive cough. The illness typically resolves after several days in most persons, although cough and malaise can persist for two or more weeks.  Many of MUSC employees fall into the category of those who should definitely receive the flu vaccine. Among the target groups for vaccination include persons who can transmit influenza to those at high risk.  This includes the following groups: physicians, nurses and other personnel in both hospital and out-patient care settings employees of nursing homes, and chronic care facilities who have contact with patients or residents employees of assisted living and other residences for persons in high-risk groups persons who provide home care to persons in high-risk groups and household members (including children) of persons in high-risk groups.  The following groups of people are those who are at increased risk for complications from the flu and who are also recommended to take the flu vaccine: persons greater than or equal to 65 years of age residents of nursing homes and other facilities that house persons of any age who have chronic medical conditions  adults and children who have chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems including asthma infants, children and teenagers (6 months to 18 years of age) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season. University employees can receive their flu shots through Carolina Center for Occupational Health. Medical Center and UMA employees can receive their shot in room 281 and 282 of the main hospital. There are multiple sites in the community such as pharmacies that are giving the flu vaccine and it is always available at your primary care office.  Take the time to get your flu shot. It takes about two weeks to become fully effective and the heavy flu season will be beginning soon.