Yellowknife (Jan 10/07) - The city may be safe from a flu epidemic, but a para influenza seems to have affected many residents in town.

Dr. Andre Corriveau, chief medical health officer for the city, said that they've received several positive reports since late December of a para influenza virus (a flu like virus), and of a respiratory syncytial virus that's been spreading around the city.

Corriveau says that this is a common time of year for viruses to spread. With many people travelling over the holidays, there is a greater chance of bringing in foreign viruses. Furthermore, with so many social events over the holidays, there is lots of opportunity to spread the disease.

"It gets spread around parties, people are meeting, kissing and greeting," said Corriveau. Since the virus can survive for several hours, it can easily be shared.

Corriveau noted that the most likely way viruses are spread is on hands. As the virus can stay alive for several hours on doorknobs and on hands, the best way to prevent catching a disease is by washing your hands regularly.

Keeping germs contained is another way to prevent community spread. "Ideally, that's what we like to encourage," said Corriveau. "One of the ways to avoid spreading (the virus) is to stay home."

With all the advancements in medical technology, it's the market that's keeping away the cure for the common cold. Corriveau said it just isn't worthwhile for companies to develop anything. With the virus constantly mutating, a large investment would be required to develop a vaccine. Considering the minimal effects of the disease, Corriveau said it just isn't worth the investment for most companies.

However the influenza vaccine does get developed every year, because it can be lethal for high-risk groups, including the elderly and people with a condition that affects their immune system.

Laurie Parton, manager of Public Health at the Yellowknife Public Health Unit, said that the 3,400 flu shots that were given out this year appear to be a success, with no cases of influenza reported yet this year in Yellowknife, N'dilo and Dettah.

With different types of influenza strains, the vaccine targeted three types, hoping to catch whichever one will go around. Parton said they got it right this year, as most cases of influenza showing up in the south were of the three types the vaccine had targeted.