Iqaluit (Oct 09/06) - Walk down the aisle at Northmart or stand in line for coffee at Fantasy Palace, and you'll hear it, the tell-tale sound of someone clearing the mucous out of their throat.

Although Iqalummiut are complaining about a bug that has sent many workers home to bed, they don't have to be too worried. It isn't the flu.

"We have a flu-like illness surveillance system, an early warning system.

A lot of people call every virus a flu virus. Our system isn't showing anything," said Dr. Geraldine Osbourne, Nunavut's assistant chief medical officer of public health.

All over Canada, people are awaiting this year's flu vaccine.

"We expect it (the vaccine) by early November. Once it is manufactured, there will be enough for everybody. We are fortunate, with a small population, we never have a problem getting the full amount," said Osbourne.

Last year, 37 per cent of Nunavummiut received the flu shot.

The Kitikmeot region had the highest percentage, with 64 per cent of residents getting stuck in the name of disease prevention.

Kivalliq residents were second most likely to give themselves the pin cushion treatment.

Those on Baffin Island trailed the pack with just 27 per cent of residents getting the shot.

"It is a universal program, so everyone can get a shot free of charge.

In both Baffin and the Kivalliq, some communities were pretty badly infected," said Osbourne.

"When a flu hits a community it spreads like fire."