H1N1 (Swine Flu) in Calgary
The H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus appears to be very active in Calgary at this time. While the H1N1 flu will not impact your suitability for laser vision correction, it is important to be aware of how the flu might impact you.
The Alberta Health Care (AHC) service has identified high risk groups for priority vaccination. These groups include children from 6 months up to 5 years old, children up to age 10 with chronic disease, pregnant women, care-givers of infants less than 6 months, and health care workers. Most health care workers have received the H1N1 vaccination. Health care workers are also instructed not to come to work if they have a fever. This will help to protect you when you come into a medical office for evaluations including if you choose to undergo a laser vision correction assessment or surgery.
The majority of people will recover from H1N1, however young children, pregnant women, and people with underlying problems like asthma or other health conditions are at risk for more serious disease. The CDC reports that over 70% of of the deaths from H1N1 have occurred in people that have underlying medical conditions.
If you are in a high risk group and qualify for the vaccination, it is recommended. Although the vaccine is new, so far there have been no significant numbers of adverse reactions to the vaccine. If you have symptoms of flu which include sudden onset of upper respiratory symptoms, fever, sore throat, and in some cases gastrointestinal distress and are in a high risk group then taking Tamiflu at the onset of symptoms may shorten the duration and severity of the flu. If you have a fever then you should avoid going to work and reschedule elective medical appointments to reduce the chance of infecting others. Frequent hand washing may help protect from infection. Wearing a mask will not protect you from the flu in most cases. More information about the H1N1 flu can be found at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm.
To schedule a laser vision correction assessment or to learn more about laser vision correction call 403-547-9775 or contact us through www.westernlasereye.com.
