Recent Blog Posts

Does Insurance Cover Urgent Care Visits?

Is Urgent Care Covered by Insurance Have you been wondering, "Is urgent care covered by insurance?" You've come to the right place.  When an unexpected illness or injury strikes, the need for medical attention can arise suddenly, leaving individuals grappling with where to turn for prompt care. In such instances, urgent care facilities are invaluable resources, offering a middle ground between the high costs of emergency room visits and the long wait times associated ...

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What’s the difference Between a Cold and a Sinus Infection?

What’s the difference Between a Cold and a Sinus Infection? The fields of east Tennessee are beginning to come alive with bits of green popping through the soil and soon, the fields will be bursting with all manner of colorful blooms. Many are joyfully anticipating their first-of-the-season visit to local tulip fields where they can pick vibrant bouquets and tangibly celebrate the arrival of spring. Some of us are expecting with trepidation other signs ...

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What Are the Bumps in the Back of My Throat?

What Are the Bumps in the Back of My Throat?  Have you been wondering, ‘what are the bumps in the back of my throat?’ You could be dealing with cobblestone throat or tonsillitis.  Pre-Register What Are the Bumps in the Back of My Throat? If you've been feeling discomfort in your throat and have noticed red bumps in the back of the throat, you may be wondering what they are. Many people have experienced ...

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How Do Adults Become Lactose Intolerant?

How Do Adults Become Lactose Intolerant? Are you planning a trip to the historic Mayfield Dairy Farms old-fashioned ice cream parlor but have some concerns about enjoying your favorite ice cream? Have you begun to experience unpleasant intestinal issues after eating it? You may be experiencing the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Physiological Changes with Age As we age, our bodies begin to reduce production of the enzyme lactase. Lactase is the enzyme the small intestine ...

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What Are Kidney Stones?

More than half a million Americans will go to the emergency room with kidney stone-related issues each year. An estimated one in ten Americans will get a kidney stone in their lifetime. We’ve all heard about kidney stones, but what are they, how do we get them, and how are they treated? What Is a Kidney Stone? A kidney stone is a hard deposit made up of minerals and salts that form inside your ...

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Do I Have Bronchitis?

Do I Have Bronchitis? Bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, can turn a simple cough into a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. While many may associate it with a bad cold, understanding the causes and available treatment options is crucial for effective management. Common Bronchitis Symptoms Cough Production of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white, yellowish-gray or green in color—rarely, it may be streaked with blood Fatigue Shortness of breath Slight fever and ...

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What Happens If I Get Salmonella While Pregnant?

What Happens If I Get Salmonella While Pregnant? A safe and healthy pregnancy is a top priority for any mother-to-be. You want to practice proper exercise, diet, and follow health recommendations to keep your baby well. The Athens community has plenty of opportunities to promote health and wellness during pregnancy. Talk to your OB/GYN about safe exercises while pregnant and stay active at local fitness centers such as Athens-McMinn Family YMCA or take a ...

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How to Get More Vitamin D in the Winter

Defeat the Winter Blues: Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) by Boosting Vitamin D Levels Have you ever heard that sunshine makes you happier? It’s actually true, and there is a scientific explanation for why. Our bodies need a lot of different vitamins to maintain health, and vitamin D is one of the essentials naturally found in sunlight. Hike or bike the Eureka Trail this winter or visit the gardens at Sunshine Hollow for a ...

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Is There a Difference Between Telemedicine and Telehealth Urgent Care?

Is There a Difference Between Telemedicine and Telehealth Urgent Care? Telehealth urgent care and telemedicine are terms that are often  used interchangeably but actually have some distinct differences. Telehealth is an umbrella term that refers to the use of technology in a variety of healthcare services, while telemedicine is a specific type of telehealth service that involves remote clinical services between a doctor and a patient. Pre-Register What Is Telehealth Urgent Care? At its core ...

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Food Poisoning: When and Why to Visit AFC Athens TN

Food Poisoning: When and Why to Visit AFC Athens TN Food poisoning is an unwelcome and often unpredictable health concern that can strike when we least expect it. Defined as an illness caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages, it can manifest as various symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe gastrointestinal distress. While some cases resolve on their own with rest and hydration, there are instances where seeking prompt medical attention becomes crucial. ${custom_link_1_title ...

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What to Do If You Burn Yourself While Cooking during the Holidays

Holiday Kitchen Safety: What to Do If You Burn Yourself While Cooking The holidays bring a lot of travellers through Athens this time of year, whether to visit family or to venture out to the nearby Smoky Mountain National Park. It’s a busy time for everyone finishing up holiday shopping at shops like Greeks Bearing Gifts in downtown Athens or grabbing a quick bite to eat at local favorites like Jenkins Restaurant and Deli ...

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Is Going to Urgent Care Like Going to the Emergency Room?

Is an Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic Like Going to the ER? If you find yourself with an emergency medical condition that needs to be dealt with, it can often become an overwhelming situation. Thoughts of long waits, expensive treatments, and procedures at a hospital emergency room (ER) may cross your mind. However, the ER isn't always your only option - have you ever considered visiting an urgent care walk-in clinic? Urgent care clinics like AFC ...

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What Illnesses Are Common During the Holiday Season?

The holiday season has arrived in the Athens area once more, and we are so excited to get started celebrating. No matter what holidays you observe or how you choose to celebrate, chances are that you will be spending a lot more time with friends and family at this time of year. All of this extra time means that the risk of getting sick increases as well, which can be problematic and can interrupt your ...

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Can You Get Strep Without Tonsils?

Getting Strep Without Tonsils? Is It Possible? AFC Athens TN Has Answers for You Is getting strep without tonsils possible? The short answer is yes. Strep throat is caused by a particular strain of bacteria, group A Streptococcus. These bacteria can live in the nose and mouth.  The bacteria are spread through an infected person's saliva or mucus and contact with contaminated surfaces and objects. A person without tonsils can contract the infection if ...

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Here Are the Facts: Can Bronchitis Turn Into Pneumonia?

Can Bronchitis Turn Into Pneumonia?  Can bronchitis turn into pneumonia? In some cases, this happens when the inflammation of the bronchial tubes persists for some time and is not treated properly, leading to a bacterial or viral infection that can cause pneumonia.  When bronchitis becomes severe, the tiny hair-like structures (cilia) that line the bronchi can become damaged, making it difficult for mucus to clear from the lungs. This trapped mucus creates a breeding ground ...

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What Are the Degrees of Burns? A Guide to Identifying Burns

What Are the Degrees of Burns? A Guide to Identifying Burns So, what are the degrees of burns? If you’ve been wondering how to identify burns, we’ve got the answers for you. Burns are a common injury that can occur from various sources, including hot liquids, fire, chemicals, and sun exposure. Depending on the severity of the burn, it can range from a minor inconvenience to a life-threatening emergency. Therefore, it is crucial ...

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What Does an Upper Respiratory Infection Feel Like?

Upper respiratory infections become much more common in the fall and winter months, and we are already seeing a spike in different infections across our community. While there are many different upper respiratory infections, RSV is one of the most common illnesses that impact us during this time of year. It has the potential to make certain populations really sick, so knowing what symptoms to look for is crucial. Read on as our AFC Urgent ...

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When Should I Get My Flu Shot This Year?

Can you believe it is already time to start talking about influenza? This year went by fast, and we are already starting to see flu cases rise around us for the season. Getting your flu shot early in the season helps give you the best protection against the most common strains of the flu for this upcoming year. Our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team explains more about the flu and how to stay healthy ...

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Urgent Care Experts Offer Alternatives to Phenylephrine

As a prominent care provider of accessible primary care, urgent care, and occupational medicine services nationwide, American Family Care (AFC) is uniquely positioned to guide and educate the public on pertinent health issues, such as the FDA’s recent decisions on the effectiveness of oral phenylephrine.  The FDA held a Non-Prescription Drug Advisory Committee meeting on September 11-12, 2023, to deliberate on the effectiveness of oral phenylephrine as an active ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) cough ...

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What Is Causing My Sore Throat?

No one wants to get sick, but it can be especially frustrating if you start to experience symptoms that are common across many illnesses. Is it COVID-19, strep throat, the flu or just a simple cold? A runny nose or a fever is probably not enough to diagnose yourself on your own, which is where we come in! Our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team can evaluate your symptoms and offer a more reliable and ...

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