It’s that time of year again…flu season. Each year, the United States battles seasonal influenza, leaving thousands of people sick, hospitalized, or worse. Public health professionals across the nation are on the front lines, doing their best to prepare for and respond to seasonal flu in the hopes of reducing the likelihood of a pandemic event. This episode will focus on the burden of seasonal and pandemic flu, and highlight key planning activities and strategies that federal, state, and local public health agencies are doing to combat flu and keep communities healthy.   Guests: Cara M. Christ, M.D., M.S.  Director for the Arizona Department of Health Services Daniel B. Jernigan, M.D., M.P.H.  Director of the Influenza Division in the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), CDC Christopher Shields  Assistant Commissioner at City of Chicago