SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Hives and tightness in the throat were the most common symptoms experienced in cases where NWT residents have shown adverse reactions to the H1N1 vaccine, according to Dr. Kami Kandola, the chief public health officer.

There have been 17 cases of adverse reactions across the territory to date, the majority of them in Yellowknife, said Kandola.

She said none of the cases were serious, and cleared up within 24 hours.

"Originally, we thought we had (more) adverse reactions, but some were fainting which was not a result of the vaccine itself, but other factors which may include nervousness toward needles," said Kandola.

"(Fainting is) just a reaction some people get when they're anxious and it can be a reaction you get with any needle, whether you're drawing blood or being given a vaccine."

Kandola said adverse reactions, which are for the most part allergic reactions to components in the vaccine, were dealt with immediately.

She said those with allergies to eggs should not take the vaccine as it is developed using chicken eggs.

"We want to be really quick on those so they don't develop into an anaphylactic reaction, and those people were seen in acute care clinics or emergency rooms and they're all resolved," said Kandola.

Anaphylactic shock is an allergic reaction. Its symptoms include blocking of the airway due to swelling, and a drop in blood pressure, among other system failures throughout the body.

"The most common (adverse reactions) were hives or feeling like their throat was being constricted," said Kandola.

Some other non-allergic reactions reported were feelings of numbness at the injection site.

Kandola said some people developed these reactions during the 15-minute waiting period after the shot, while others had already gone home and then started to feel the reaction, after which they contacted a health care worker or went to a hospital.

"Feel free to call the flu line and we can tell you if it's a side-effect, or if it's an adverse reaction," said Kandola.

Some common side-effects not classified as adverse reactions, according to Kandola, are headaches, fatigue, and some kids experience diarrhoea.

"Flu-like symptoms are not the true flu but a reaction to the vaccine," said Kandola, adding the vaccine is not live but its presence causes the body to develop defences against the virus.

There have been 46 hospitalizations attributed to the H1N1 flu to date. Those who still want to get the vaccine can call the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority and book an appointment.