INFLUENZA VACCINE INFORMATION

As we prepare for the coming flu season this Fall/Winter, we are strongly recommending that all of our patients receive their annual influenza vaccination, either in our office or at a local pharmacy.

Any and all proven efforts to reduce your risk of contracting the flu and developing flu-like symptoms amid an ever-growing COVID-19 pandemic will beneficial for both you and your loved ones.

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We are following CDC recommendations for optimal timing of flu vaccination between September and October, as getting vaccinated early (i.e. in August) may be associated with reduced protection against flu infection later in the season. 
 
While the CDC does not typically prefer one type of flu vaccine over another, this season, we believe that the newer type of flu vaccine - Flublok Quadrivalent - may offer more protection. 

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We have both the regular dose Quadrivalent Fluzone as well as the High Dose FluBlok Quadrivalent 

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You can schedule these appointments by clicking on the                                 button and picking "Injection/Vaccination" for the "Reason for Visit". 

You can also schedule this on the Patient Portal or by calling (303) 771-3939 M-F 7:30am to 5:00pm.

Coronavirus Information

We have both in-office appointments and Telehealth appointments available.

You can schedule by clicking on 

Or by calling our office at (303)771-3939

You will receive an email and text with the appointment connection information several minutes prior to your appointment.  In some situations, the appointment before you may run late.  Please stay connected - we may just be late.

DTC Family Health does have COVID-19 virus RNA test available

ONLY for those who meet the CDC criteria.

1. You will need to schedule a Secure Online Video Appointment (Telehealth visit) with one of our provider to determine if you meet CDC criteria.   

2. Tests can only be ordered by providers in this practice. 

3. We cannot accept outside providers' orders. 

You must be evaluated by a provider in this practice.

COVID-19 Antibody testing information 

For weeks it seems, we have eagerly been awaiting the availability of antibody tests for COVID-19.  It was thought that with widespread antibody tests, we would have a better sense of how many have been exposed or infected with the disease, and more importantly how many are now immune. We, as providers, have heard numerous times, “I was so sick in January, I know it was COVID-19 and that I’m immune.” 

Unfortunately, the reality is that antibody testing may not be very useful.

A few facts about the tests

• Only 4 tests have been approved by the FDA. None of those are rapid, in-office tests. Many of the tests are actually very poor. For example, the advertised sensitivity of one test is pretty good, but the validation of the test was only conducted on <70 patients. Not great.

• Typically, after a person is exposed to a disease, they will form antibodies in their blood. The earliest (and less durable) antibody formed is the IgM. IgG will then form. IgG is the more durable antibody response. For COVID-19, it appears that IgM forms about 7 days after infection, and IgG appears 14 days after infection.

• Even if exposed, a negative test can occur if a patient cannot develop a strong enough immune response to create antibodies.

• A false positive test can occur if the test cross-reacts with another similar molecule, for example, a different coronavirus.

MENTAL HEALTH

This has been a trying time for everyone, filled with uncertainty and fear.  We all have concerns about our health and that of our loved ones.  We are worried about our children and our parents.  Added to this is apprehension about the economy, and concerns about job security.  Many of us have been taken out of our comfort zones and thrust into a new world of telecommuting and Zoom calls.  On top of this is the inability to do the things that normally make us feel better…going to the gym, hanging out with friends, traveling.

Those with no history of anxiety or depression are having to learn what these symptoms feel like and how difficult it can be to keep them under control.  Those who do have a history of mental illness are struggling with worsening symptoms and are trying to develop new coping mechanisms. 

Whichever group you may belong to, please reach out.  If you are not sleeping well, cannot motivate, are having panic attacks, are losing your temper too easily with family or are just struggling with the anxiety about loosening our social restrictions we can try to help. 

Schedule a mental health checkup on the portal or call the office – You can schedule these by clicking “Schedule Appointment” on this website, on your patient portal or by calling our office at (303) 771-3939.

Stay safe and well,

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DTC Family Health Providers and Staff

We continue to be in close contact with the Centers for Disease Control "CDC" and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment "CDPHE".

Here are links to the CDC and CDPHE.

We will continue to update our website,  If you have any questions, please feel free to call us or send a portal message. Enjoy the beautiful weather and stay healthy!