Yukoners who feel a flu coming on are being told to stay home and get some rest by the territory's chief medical officer, who is waiting for the influenza virus sweeping Mexico to show itself in the North.

"I'd be surprised if we don't have cases (of swine influenza)," Dr. Brendan Hanley told reporters today. Swine flu is a respiratory virus that has been linked to upwards of 100 deaths in Mexico - primarily in the country's capital city - since mid-March.

So far, no severe cases or swine flu-related deaths have been reported in the U.S. or Canada. Six cases are listed on the Health Canada website - two in British Columbia and four in Nova Scotia - but Hanley said 26 Canadian cases had been confirmed by this morning, though none in the Yukon.

"The cases in the United States and Canada have all been mild and have recovered," according to Hanley.

But medical officers across the country are still treating this new flu as an emergency. Hanley said he spent yesterday in meetings with Health Canada officials and is getting regular briefings on new cases and medical responses.

"I have encouraged testing in a couple of cases," Hanley said, but could not give any numbers on suspected swine flu cases within the Yukon's borders. The most important part of his job right now, Hanley said, is letting people know the virus is out there and what to do if they start showing symptoms.

"Stay at home and rest," Hanley urged. He said a week's bed rest is the best cure and also prevents spread of the virus. He also prescribed frequent hand washing.

Although the territory has a store of emergency anti-viral drugs that could be used to treat this flu strain, Hanley said it is unlikely they will be given out. Anti-viral medications encourage drug-resistant strains of the flu and should be saved for extreme situations, the doctor said.

He urged anyone who has symptoms or who has recently returned from Mexico to contact their doctor or phone the Yukon's Health Line at 8-1-1 rather than just show up at the clinic or hospital.

"You may be asked to stay away from others, wear a mask or take other precautions," he said.

Symptoms of the swine flu include fever, fatigue, sore throat and eyes and general body aches. Because the virus attacks the respiratory system, vomiting and diarrhea are less common symptoms, but may occur in children.

It is unlikely anyone will be quarantined, Hanley said, as the virus is probably already here.

"We're not going to be able to stop this from coming into Yukon," Hanley said. "What we'd like to do is slow the spread."

Quarantine officers have been posted in some international airports, but not in Whitehorse.

"We don't have a quarantine officer, but we don't have international flights from Mexico," Hanley explained. "So far Europe is not seen as a risk ... and we have a contingency plan in the event of a European outbreak."

Travellers returning from Mexico are not being tracked, neither nationally nor locally.

"It can be transferred so quickly, there's not much point in focusing on travellers," Hanley explained.

People on their way to Mexico should keep a close eye on travel advisories, he said, and should get their flu shots.

Robin Tripp-Friesen, manager at the Uniglobe Travel office in Whitehorse said today: "I think it's lucky it's happening at the end of the (vacation) season rather than the beginning." Regardless of the time of year, Tripp-Friesen added, "the airlines and tour companies usually step right up in these situations. Air Canada has already promised to waive any cancellation fees, and the tour companies do the same."

Last week, Macaulay Lodge, a seniors' care home in Whitehorse, was closed to the public because of an outbreak of norovirus, which attacks the gastrointestinal system.

Hanley said the two viruses are distinct from one another and relatively easy to distinguish. He said there was no concern the virus at the lodge was swine flu.