Iqaluit (May 22/06) - Everyone going into Baffin Regional Hospital must wash their hands, and show them to the commissioner on duty.

It's all part of an effort to prevent a flu outbreak from coming into the Iqaluit facility.

While the flu is just an annoyance for most of us, it can be serious for others. Health and Social Services says the following groups are at risk from complications from flu: Children aged six months to five years People 50 and up, especially elders People who take Aspirin for a long period People with heart or breathing disorders People with chronic health conditions like diabetes, renal disease and anemia

"We're doing this for the good of the public," said Roxanne Stuckless, executive director of health for the Baffin region.

"We're not doing this to be difficult."

In addition to handwashing, anyone with a cough or cold must wear a mask while inside the hospital, visitors must be the families of sick children or seriously ill patients, and the cafeteria is closed to the general public for the time being.

Stuckless said the hospital is seeing a late-season upswing in the number of patients with flu-like symptoms. In the first week of May 10 cases of "influenza-like illness" were reported, she said. A week later, the figure jumped to 50.

"It is a bit out of the normal pattern," Stuckless said. "We usually see (more flu cases) in December and January."

Outside of the capital, the department is rolling out antibacterial gel and masks to health centres. Some community clinics have also been cancelled, Stuckless said.

"We're trying to keep the well people away from the sick people," she said.

Health and Social Services spokeswoman Nancy Campbell said flu outbreaks in the Kitikmeot and Kivalliq regions gradually made their way east.

A school in Pond Inlet was shut down earlier this month by department of Education officials who decided that was the best way to prevent the spread of flu, she said.

In Hall Beach, the flu virtually shutting the hamlet down, said resident Jake Ikeperiar.

Arnaqjauaq school was shut down from May 10-12, and many people were staying home from work, he said. The worst had passed by May 16.

Flu vaccines are still available free of charge to anyone who wants them, although flu season is drawing to a close, Campbell said.