Recent Blog Posts

Twisting your ankle can happen in a split second. Maybe you stepped off a curb wrong or landed awkwardly while playing sports. Whatever the cause, the pain that follows is unmistakable. But if it's been a few days and your ankle is still aching, you might be wondering: is that normal? The short answer is yes. It's common for a twisted or sprained ankle to hurt for several days, sometimes even weeks, depending ...

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Ear infections can be painful and frustrating, especially when they seem to keep coming back. While many people experience them occasionally, some suffer repeated bouts that make daily life uncomfortable. So, can ear infections happen multiple times in a row? The short answer is yes. And in some cases, this recurring issue may point to something more serious, like a chronic ear condition.  If you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection, seeking medical care ...

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There is nothing more relaxing than spending a day out by the grill and cooking for your friends and family. If you’re planning a BBQ for your friends and family, it is important to follow proper food safety protocol to avoid accidentally making your guests sick. This article will review proper food safety tips that you should keep in mind when grilling this summer to avoid food poisoning. If you’re feeling sick and ...

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Swimmer's ear often develops after swimming, bathing, or other water-related activities when moisture becomes trapped in the ear, allowing bacteria or fungi to grow. While mild cases can sometimes resolve on their own, others may require medical attention or antibiotics, especially when the infection becomes painful or persistent.  If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in your ear, it is important to seek medical care. Your medical provider will be able to diagnose and ...

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When the weather warms up, cases of dehydration tend to increase. While it is important to stay hydrated during the winter months, hot weather causes your body to sweat which can cause dehydration to occur much faster. Dehydration is a very common condition, and when you catch the symptoms early, it is very easy to treat and prevent. Keep reading to learn more about common symptoms of dehydration like headaches, and how to treat them ...

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During the warmer months, cases of bug bites tend to increase. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors in the summertime, you’re no stranger to bites from bugs like mosquitoes, horseflies and ticks. However, without proper management, bug bites can become infected. This article will review some of the signs of infection and tips for proper bug bite treatment. If you have an infected bug bite, AFC Urgent Care Bedford ...

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Now that the weather is warming up, it is important to be conscious about staying hydrated. Dehydration can happen quickly, especially when it’s hot outside. Not only is staying hydrated important for keeping your body functioning properly, but it also can have other benefits for your skin, hair, and overall energy levels throughout the day. But, how much water do you actually need to be drinking a day to stay properly hydrated? Keep reading ...

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Ear infections are common ailments. While young children are especially susceptible to developing ear infections due to the size of their ear canals, anyone can get an ear infection. There are multiple different kinds of ear infections, however, the most common ear infection during the summer months is a middle ear infection caused by excess moisture in the ear canal. If you’re experiencing ear pain or symptoms of an ear infection, AFC Urgent Care ...

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Seasonal allergies can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms. Exposure to airborne pollen and dust can cause symptoms like congestion, coughing, and sneezing, although the exact symptoms each person experiences can vary based on what they’re allergic to and how severe their allergy is. This article will look at some typical seasonal allergy symptoms and how to treat them so that you can stay comfortable this allergy season. If you’re experiencing allergy symptoms ...

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Bronchitis is a respiratory infection that occurs when the tubes and air sacs that carry air to the lungs are obstructed with mucus and inflammation. In most instances, bronchitis will clear up by itself. However, there are cases where you may need supportive care from a medical provider to manage your symptoms. This article will go through various symptoms and modes of transmission of bronchitis. If you’re feeling sick and think you may have ...

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HFMD is often perceived as an illness that only impacts young children, but adults can get hand, foot, and mouth, too. Dispelling the myth that HFMD exclusively affects children is critical, especially since adults may not realize they're carrying the virus and could inadvertently spread it. Save Your Spot What Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease? HFMD is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects young children, typically those under the age of five. It ...

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When your little one develops a fever, it's natural to worry and wonder, "How long do fevers last in infants?" Fevers are often the body's way of fighting infections by creating a less hospitable environment for germs. While fevers can seem concerning, they are usually not harmful and often resolve on their own. Save Your Spot Understanding How Long Fevers Last in Infants In most cases, fevers in infants last around two to three days ...

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Are sugar rushes real? For decades, many parents have believed in the idea of a “sugar rush,” a phenomenon where kids become hyperactive after consuming sugary snacks or drinks. This belief has led to widespread efforts to limit sugar intake, especially during times when parents want their children to stay calm and focused. Despite its popularity, scientific research shows that the so-called sugar rush is actually a myth. In this blog post, we'll explore ...

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Being sick is never fun. Sometimes, our bodies will raise our body’s temperature to combat an illness, causing a fever. Not all illnesses cause fevers, however, it is important to seek medical care if you’re sick and experiencing a fever. Fevers indicate a more severe illness and although not all illnesses that cause fevers will require medical treatment, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re in need of illness ...

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Although flu season is most talked about in the fall months, flu season can last from early fall all the way through early spring. It is important to be vigilant about monitoring yourself for flu symptoms. Especially because treatments for the flu, such as Tamiflu, require that you take the medication within 48 hours of exposure. Keep reading to learn more about early symptoms associated with the flu so that you can get treatment. At ...

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Does menopause make you tired? Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years. While it’s often associated with hot flashes and mood swings, many women also experience persistent fatigue during this transition. Feeling tired or low on energy can be frustrating and disruptive, especially when combined with other menopause symptoms. Save Your Spot Understanding Menopause Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs when a woman’s ...

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You may wonder, "What is the best diet for irritable bowel syndrome?" The answer depends on your unique symptoms and needs, but several dietary strategies have been known to bring relief. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects millions of people, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all cure for IBS, making thoughtful changes to your diet can play a significant role in ...

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A wrist sprain is painful and can worsen without proper care. Explore options for treatment and when to seek medical attention. Save Your Spot Table of Contents How To Tell if You Have a Sprained Wrist Severity of Sprained Wrists How To Treat a Sprained Wrist How To Heal a Sprained Wrist Fast Sprained Wrist Medical Devices Should I Go to the ER or Urgent Care? Activities to Avoid With a Sprained Wrist Visit AFC for Help ...

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If you get a deep cut, you may be able to treat it without stitches. Learn more about treating a deep cut. Save Your Spot Table of Contents What is Considered a Deep Cut? How Deep Does a Cut Need to Be for Stitches? Treatment Other Concerns to Keep in Mind Where To Go for Treatment What is Considered a Deep Cut? A deep laceration is generally considered over a quarter inch deep, but this also depends ...

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Food poisoning and norovirus are often used interchangeably because they can cause similar symptoms, but they are two completely different kinds of infections. While both conditions result in gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, the causes behind them differ. Food poisoning is a broader term that refers to illness caused by consuming contaminated food or drinks, which various bacteria, viruses, or parasites can cause. Norovirus, on the other hand, is a ...

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