Desmond Muller, Supervising Community Health Nurse with the Columbia County Department of Health, joined co-hosts Ellen Thurston and Richard Roth on the WGXC Afternoon Show, Thurs., Jan. 17, to discuss the current flu season. Muller confirmed an upsurge of cases in Columbia County, but stopped short of calling the current situation an epidemic. He said 68 cases of Influenza A were reported in December. "In previous years we had nowhere close to that number," Muller said. He said vaccination is the one thing that can make a difference. The Centers of Disease Control recommends any person six months or older should get the flu shot, he said, with some exceptions. He advised anyone with special health concerns to check with their physician before getting the vaccination. Columbia County is still offering flu clinics. Subject to availability, flu shots will be offered by appointment at the Department of Health's weekly scheduled immunization clinic 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesdays, or by appointment by calling 828-3358. "The flu is nothing to play around with," Muller said.

PLAY the full interview. (18:13)