QIKIQTARJUAQ/BROUGHTON ISLAND - This year, the flu vaccine will have an added strain to help protect against H1N1 influenza, or swine flu, said the chief medical officer for Nunavut.

Last year's flu clinic campaign in Qikiqtarjuaq was a success, with many residents getting their flu shots. From left are interpreter Ooleepeeka Audlakiak and Joanne Dignard, health centre supervisor, giving client Travis Jaco Kakkik his shot. - photo courtesy of Joanne Dignard What to know about influenza Influenza and the flu are the same thing Symptoms typically last for seven to 10 days, some people could have a cough or feel weak for up to six weeks Children between six months and four years old, pregnant women, children and adults with chronic health conditions and the elderly are at high risk

"This year my advice would be even more than ever people should get the seasonal flu vaccine," said Dr. Isaac Sobol.

October is Influenza Immunization Awareness Month and Sobol said health officials across the territory are waiting for the seasonal influenza vaccines to arrive so they can begin offering the vaccines at their clinics.

Sobol said he's not sure what this year's flu season will look like as the virus changes every year.

"Surface characteristics of the virus change quite frequently and that's what your body gets to recognize and attack if you've had the vaccine," Sobol said.

Sobol said H1N1 caught everyone by surprise in October 2009.

The Department of Health and Social Services unrolled a mass immunization campaign and vaccinated about 60 per cent of the population in two weeks. If H1N1 does have a presence this flu season, there is a concern as to how it will affect young people.

There was only one death as a result of H1N1, a young woman who had been pregnant, said Sobol, adding this particular demographic was hit rather hard by the virus.

The department placed its order for the vaccine through a mass ordering campaign done through the federal government several months ago. Sobol said the first batch they ordered would cover 50 per cent of the population at a cost of $45,000.

If more vaccines are required, more will be ordered.

"We have not had great success in previous years," he said of the annual flu immunization campaign, with immunization numbers of less than 30 per cent of the population.

Last year in Qikiqtarjuaq, there was a slight increase in the number of flu cases in comparison to other years, said Joanne Dignard, supervisor at the health centre.

"We had a bit more flu cases than other years and after the immunization it didn't increase," she said.

Sobol said the territory could see the same number of illnesses caused by the flu as last year but it is not easy to predict. Dignard said she agrees with Sobol that every flu season is different.

They both encourage residents to wash their hands, cough into their sleeves or elbows and to stay home if they are ill. Hand washing also helps to prevent the spread of germs.

Sobol had one message for residents:

"Let's be as successful as we were last year, please get your flu shot as it is a way to protect yourself, your family and your community."

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