Jan. 23, 2001-- Reported by News Specialist Lisa Conley

A shortage of flu shots this Fall had a lot of Utahns worried the influenza virus would hit us hard.

The State Health Department is now well stocked with lots of vaccine, and ready to fight the flu. At the moment, however, there's relatively little flu to fight.

A newspaper ad for NyQuil cold medication says "Salt Lake, the Flu is here!" And, they're right, influenza is hitting Utah, but not nearly as hard as experts thought it would.

Only 27 laboratory confirmed cases, a fraction of the number we usually have.

Keep in mind, those are confirmed cases. There are likely many more people here with the flu, but the experts say we are lucky to be dealing with a much milder strain so far this year.

And,they say a flu shot is still a good idea.

Nicole Stone/Epidemiologist: "THE TYPICAL INFLUENZA SEASON RUNS THROUGH APRIL, THE BEGINNING OF MAY. SO WE STILL MAY SEE INCREASES THAT WE JUST HAVEN'T DETECTED SO FAR."

A sort of suspended flu outbreak could hit at any time. So, here's what to look for...

The main difference between the flu and the common cold is immediate impact. The flu will knock you off your feet, while the common cold is more gradual.

Some of the common symptoms are fatigue, severe muscle aches, usually in the back neck and legs, a headache, and a high fever.