The Southern Ute Health Center strives to provide excellent healthcare and service to the community. As you may have noticed, we have had an especially harsh influenza, stomach flu, and cold season. Many people who were vaccinated for influenza still contracted the virus this year, due to the changing of the virus since the vaccine was made last summer. The CDC is reporting lower numbers of influenza cases reported in Colorado than in many other parts of the country, but the best advice is to see your healthcare provider as soon as you have symptoms. As always, children under 2 years old, pregnant women, and adults over 65 years old are at the highest risk of severe problems from influenza. There is medication available to treat influenza if the virus is caught early.
Symptoms of influenza infection include:
- fever
- chills
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headache
- fatigue (tiredness)
- sometimes vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
Prevention is the key to slowing the spread of influenza, stomach flu and colds, so remember to
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing, after using the bathroom, and before eating.
- Always use disposable tissues when you have a cold.
- Get rid of tissues as soon as you’ve used them.
- Do not go to work or school if you are feeling sick or have a fever.
- Make sure you are up to date on immunizations, including a yearly flu shot.
With the increase in illness this season, please remember that the clinic has a lot of work to do to keep up. You can help us by remembering to request your prescription refills at least 48 hours before you run out of medication. This gives your healthcare provider time to review your record and be sure the medication is still the best thing for your medical condition, and allows the pharmacy time to order medications that may not be in stock. We also ask that you keep scheduled appointments, or cancel at least 24 hours ahead of time, so that your appointment time can be given to another person. We ask that you schedule routine follow-up as soon as you know that you are due, in order to be sure you get the date and time you want, and to avoid delays in getting your prescriptions renewed.
We are here to serve this community, and we welcome feedback and suggestions to make your healthcare experience a good one. Please fill out a survey at the clinic if you have any suggestions or comments.