Coach Dean Laidley said the affected players had been isolated from the rest of the group and a number of them would sit out Friday's final training session.
"We'll meet this afternoon to decide who is or who isn't going to play," he said.
"We'll wait until this afternoon until we [decide who they are]. If they're not going to play, we'll make that public."
For a side hampered by injuries for most of the season – captain Brent Harvey's elbow dislocation the worst of them – Laidley carried obvious concern about the dilemmas the illness could create.
Undefeated, the Saints have drawn comparisons with Geelong – the other club with 10 wins from as many starts.
"They're certainly the benchmark with the Cats," Laidley said. "They've played some great footy.
"They're going very well, they're fit and up and running and it's going to be a good challenge for our experienced players, but also our youngsters.
"It's going to be a great test for us, if we can get a fit 22 out on the park."
Laidley said he wasn't sure whether the absence of St Kilda ruckman Michael Gardiner through suspension had improved North's prospects in that area but was buoyant about his inclusions.
Deputy vice-captain Daniel Pratt will return from a knee injury for his first game since round six while forward Matt Campbell has overcome a hamstring tear.
Both players were brought through the VFL last weekend.
Tagger Sam Power and Nathan Grima, who was dropped back to the lower level last week, round out the changes.
"Nathan Grima was unlucky to go out of the side," Laidley said. "He's straight back in because we think he's one of those young key defenders that's developed really well and we're looking to continue to grow."
Key position player Lachie Hansen will spend another week with Werribee as the club continues its careful approach with him.
The 20-year-old tore his hamstring against Richmond in round five.
"The doctor ruled him out on Wednesday," Laidley said. "His hamstring was a grade two, which has probably been the most severe that we've had at the footy club for a long time.
"He (the doctor) wanted to err on the side of caution."
