Nasty cold virus 2009

The weekly percentage of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness ILI peaked at the end of October at 7.

This percentage decreased to 1. The number of states reporting widespread influenza activity peaked at 49 at the end of October, and decreased to zero by the beginning of January. By the middle of May, no states were reporting widespread or regional influenza activity and most states were reporting sporadic or no flu activity.

In most years, seasonal influenza activity peaks in January or February. See graph of peak influenza activity by month in the United States from Influenza activity was associated with significantly higher pediatric mortality, and higher rates of hospitalizations in children and young adults than previous seasons.

The influenza season was relatively less severe among people 65 years and older than compared with usual flu seasons. Like seasonal flu, people with certain chronic medical conditions were at greater risk of serious flu complications during the pandemic season, including hospitalizations and deaths.

Top of Page. The overall health impact e. Based on available data from U. If the viruses in the vaccine and the influenza viruses circulating in the community are closely matched, vaccine effectiveness is higher.

If they are not closely matched, vaccine effectiveness can be reduced. The omicron variant will appear more like the common cold because it likely acquired a mutation — from a snippet of genetic material that is normally found in the common cold, according to Reuters.

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Print Subscriptions. Deseret News homepage. Filed under: Coronavirus U. The best way to know is to get a test, said Dr. What symptoms to look for. Early signs of cold, flu and Covid tend to be similar, El-Sayed said.

Both Covid and the flu often cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue, body aches, sore throat, shortness of breath and vomiting or diarrhea, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Covid infection can be distinguished, however, by the headache and dry cough that often go along with it. The loss of taste and smell that has been the biggest warning sign of a Covid infection is still a possible symptom, though it is less prevalent now than it has been with other variants, El-Sayed said. The most important factor to consider is exposure. It's also worth isolating and taking a rapid test," he advised. Even if you're not feeling symptoms yet, it may be best to exercise caution if you have been around someone who tested positive for Covid At this point, it is safest to treat all cold symptoms carefully, Combs said.

When to test for Covid It is often good to address your suspicions of Covid by taking a test, although when you do it makes a difference. If you are feeling symptoms, now is the time to take a test, El-Sayed said. January will be 'a really, really hard month' as the Omicron variant fuels spike in infections, expert says.

For those who have been exposed but aren't feeling symptoms, there is a possibility that the virus hasn't developed enough to show up on a rapid test, he explained. In those cases, it is best to wait five days after exposure before testing and to remain on the lookout, according to the CDC.

Keep them clean. Gently wash infected areas with a clean washcloth and hot, soapy water twice a day and dry thoroughly don't scrub, which may further irritate sores. Also wash your hands regularly throughout the day. Keep them moist. Coat your lips regularly with a petroleum-based product such as Vaseline or apply a zinc-based ointment, both sold over the counter. Limit sun exposure.