Cindy MacDougall
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 29/99) - The coughs, sneezes aches and pains have clinched it -- cold and flu season has arrived with a vengeance in Yellowknife.

Karen Liedl, the director of community health for Yellowknife Social Services, said the bout of influenza speeding around the capital is only the beginning.

"There's been a peak lately," she said.

"There's usually one major cycle around this time of year, with another cycle just prior to Christmas, and the flu season's peak in January."

The strains of flu circulating now, Liedl said, tend to "hang around for a week or so" before the symptoms lessen.

Symptoms include a low-grade fever, dry cough, runny nose and sneezing.

"Drink lots of fluids, eat well, and get lots of rest," she advised.

Liedl said if the symptoms worsen or include high fever, chest pains, or a phlegmy cough, flu-sufferers should see a doctor, as your flu may really be pneumonia.

Pharmacist Darryl Dolynny, who owns and operates the Shoppers Drug Mart in the Panda II Mall, said the store has been very busy lately with people searching for a flu fix.

"After we rule out drug interactions and illness complications, for those who can safely take the medication, we've been recommending DM-type cough medicine, as well as Tylenol-type medicine for fever."

He said it's best to talk to your doctor before taking non-prescription medication.

Jennifer McElroy, a teller for TD Bank on Franklin Avenue, was coming down with the bug Monday afternoon. She said her throat was starting to ache.

"I guess it's all the money," she said.

"The germs from being held and all that."

Her home remedy?

"I'm going to take an echinacea (pill) and have some chicken soup."

Stephen Gwilliam, owner and pharmacist at Sutherland's Drugs on Franklin Avenue, said he's been seeing a lot of people with head cold symptoms.

"I've been recommending decongestants and pain relievers," he said. "I've also been referring people to (herbal remedies) such as echinacea and golden seal."

Liedl said those concerned about influenza, and those especially susceptible to infection, should visit a flu shot clinic.

"The elderly, small children and those with poor immune systems should have a shot no earlier than October," she said.

"That way, the effect of the antibodies will last until January."

The first flu shot clinic of the season will be held Oct. 20 at the fire hall.