Each of our employees is paid at least the identified living hourly wage for La Plata County, and many of our members and friends are very involved in the Thrive! Living Wage program see the THRIVE Website.
Flu season is in full swing
During week 52 (December 24-30, 2017), influenza activity
increased sharply in the United States, including Colorado and Durango. Flu is
especially dangerous for older people, very young children and people with other
chronic illnesses such as chronic heart and lung disease. Complications including
pneumonia can be fatal. Flu has touched our UUFD community with pneumonia
requiring hospitalization. Common flu symptoms are fever, chills, cough, sore throat,
runny nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself and Others Around You?
1. If you have not already done so,
get your flu shot. The shot is widely available at
drug stores, supermarket pharmacies and doctor's offices. The best way to
prevent the flu is with a flu shot. CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of
age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine each year by the end of October if
possible. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination should
continue throughout flu season, even in January or later. Vaccination is
especially important for people 65 years and older because they are at high
risk for complications from flu. The flu shot is vital for those who care for others
such as homemakers, childcare providers, healthcare workers, teachers etc.
2.
Practice good health habits including covering coughs, washing hands often,
and avoiding people who are sick. If people in your house are ill, wipe down
commonly touched surfaces with a household cleaner or disinfectant.
3.
Stay away from others if you are ill. Do not come to church. Before going to the
doctor, call for advice. Same with your employer.
4.
Seek medical advice quickly if you develop flu symptoms to see whether you
might need medical evaluation or treatment with antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu
or Relenza (not to be confused with the flu vaccine). If taken early after onset of
symptoms, these drugs can lessen the severity and prevent complications of flu.
5.
Get pneumococcal vaccines ("pneumonia shot"). In addition to annual flu
vaccination, people who are 65 years of age and older should also be up to date
with pneumococcal vaccination to protect against pneumococcal (a bacterial)
disease, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Talk to
your doctor to find out which pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for
you. Pneumococcal pneumonia is an example of a serious flu-related
complication that can cause death. You can get the pneumococcal vaccine your
provider recommends when you get the flu vaccine.
Have a healthy New Year!
