| | What You Need to Know About Influenza What is Influenza (Flu)? Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. Preventing Seasonal Flu The first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. CDC also recommends everyday preventive actions (like staying away from people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes and frequent handwashing) to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illnesses, like flu. | | |
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| | Period of Contagiousness You may be able to spread flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. People with flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time. Flu Symptoms Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu is different from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: - fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue (tiredness)
- some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever. | | |
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| | Patient and Family Advisory Council Share your opinion and help us improve our practice. Join other DTC Family Health patients to discuss your experiences and give us recommendations. We meet quarterly in the evening and light snacks are provided. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please email our office manager at dtcfamilyhealth1@gmail.com | | |
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| | Switching from Walk-In to Same Day Looking for an easier way to make appointments? Book through our website not the portal. As of January 1, 2019 DTC Family Health switched from walk-in to same day appointments. You are able to schedule same day appointments on-line. You can also call (303) 771-3939, on the day you want an appointment, and we will be able to give you a set time to be here. This should cut down on your wait time and make our system more efficient. | | |
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Welcome our newest provider Hannah Stafford, MPAS, PA-C |
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Hannah is a third generation Colorado native and attended Colorado College for her undergraduate degree with a major in Biology and minor in Spanish language. She received her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas and was certified by NCCPA in 2018. Hannah is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Colorado Academy of Physician Assistants. Hannah enjoys practicing in family medicine, as she is passionate about preventative medicine, patient education, and promoting an active lifestyle in the great outdoors. In her spare time, Hannah loves spending time with her husband and their German shepherd puppy, hiking, skiing, camping, and cooking. |
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Tips for Taking an Accurate Blood Pressure Reading |
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At-Home Blood Pressure Monitors Omron 5 or Omron 10 Approximately $45.00 - $83.00 Amazon.com or any local pharmacy Wireless and Accurate: Clear, accurate results (when properly calibrated), and has the ability to wirelessly store and share data. Preferred by clinical specialists. Display is clear and easy to read. Free data storage and wireless data sharing with physician. Batteries not included. LotFancy Approximately $27.00 Amazon.com or any local pharmacy Budget-Friendly: A cost-effective solution for individuals and families who want accurate blood pressure data. FDA-approved. Comprehensive data collection. Tracks up to 4 people at once. Batteries not included and no main adapter. Easy@Home Approximately $40.00 Amazon.com or any local pharmacy Reliable: A great price for a blood pressure monitor that has a 2-year product replacement guarantee and a reputation for accuracy. A fair price for one of the best in the market. Averages the past 3 readings for increased accuracy. Each reading comes with a timestamp for reference. Can store up to 120 readings. Batteries and carrying bag included. Readings can be a challenge for people who struggle with a backlit LCD. |
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