Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 09/02) - It's that time of year again when influenza becomes a public health concern.

The National Center for Infectious Diseases, part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, tracks flu cases in weekly surveillance reports from early October through mid-May.

Wanda White, the communicable disease consultant for the NWT, said while last year's flu season was relatively mild, we could be in for a bad one this winter.

"It's shaping up to be a fairly severe flu season," said White. "We're advising adults over 65 and all children and adults with severe chronic diseases to get immunized."

Last spring, a new strain of the virus -- A Panama -- began to appear and is expected to wreck further havoc this winter.

Influenza is a viral respiratory illness and not a stomach or intestinal disease though the phrase "stomach flu" is widely misused to describe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea caused by other viruses, bacteria or even parasites.

The first round of immunization shots begin Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Centre Square Mall, but White advises that seniors, whose immune systems are not as strong, to wait at least another month before getting their shots.

"You don't want to give it too early because the flu vaccine is given every year," said White. "So you have to give it during the peak time.

"If I immunize you now then you're OK for the next four to five months, but then when the peak season is still on you're not protected."

It's also important said Karen DeViller, director of community health with the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority, to remember other preventative steps.

"If you are sick, stay away from other people to reduce their exposure," said DeViller. "Cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze, wash your hands. Don't go to work if you're really sick."