Recent Blog Posts

Experiencing pain or pressure inside your ear? You could be getting an ear infection. Ear infections happen when moisture gets trapped inside of the ear canal, which leads to bacterial growth. In some cases, ear infections can heal on their own. However, ear infections sometimes require prescription antibiotics to clear up the infection. This article will review at-home tips and tricks for preventing and healing ear infections. If you think you have an ear infection ...

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During the warmer months of the year, the sun tends to be much hotter and out for much longer each day. Sun exposure is great, because it brings warmer temperatures and longer days with more hours of sunlight. However, too much sun exposure can have negative health effects like dehydration and heat exhaustion. Dehydration can lead to many different symptoms, including fatigue and feeling lightheaded or dizzy, so it is important to watch out for ...

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When temperatures rise, the risk of becoming dehydrated increases. Our bodies are over 50% water, and we constantly utilize our water storage for bodily functions and organ health. When it’s hot, these water levels can deplete rapidly, and without proper hydration, can lead to unpleasant symptoms like headaches, nausea, and feeling lightheaded. If you’re experiencing symptoms of dehydration, it’s important to know how to treat them and when to seek medical care ...

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During the warmer spring and summer months, bug bites are just a small price to pay to enjoy the weather. Ticks in particular, however, can cause serious illness, and it is important to take steps to prevent contact and especially bites caused by ticks. The most commonly known tick-borne illness is Lyme disease, although ticks can carry a plethora of additional illnesses that pose similar health risks. If you’re bitten by a tick, it ...

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Spring allergy season can last for months, depending on what you’re allergic to. In most cases, spring allergies will begin in early spring, but they can last through the summer and fall. One of the most common symptoms of springtime allergies is head and nasal congestion. If you’re experiencing congestion caused by spring allergies and are looking for relief, keep reading. If you’re struggling to manage your allergy symptoms, AFC Urgent Care ...

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Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium "Borrelia burgdorferi," presents a wide range of symptoms that can vary significantly from person to person. In its early stages, the disease often begins with a distinctive bull's-eye pattern around the tick bite site. Other common early symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle or joint aches. If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress to more severe issues, such as neurological problems, joint inflammation, and ...

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If you've been sneezing, sniffling, and battling watery eyes for what feels like forever, you might wonder: can seasonal allergies cause symptoms for weeks? The short answer is yes. Seasonal allergies, triggered by airborne allergens like pollen, mold spores, or grass, can persist for weeks or months and often will flare up with exposure. Keep reading to learn more about common spring allergy symptoms and tips for managing spring allergies. If you’re experiencing ...

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Are you suffering from congestion, but not sure how to effectively treat your symptoms? Congestion can be caused by many different illnesses and environmental factors which can make it difficult to treat. During the springtime, flu season and seasonal allergies overlap. Viral infections like colds and the flu as well as seasonal allergies can lead to similar symptoms including congestion. However, allergies and illnesses require different courses of treatment. Keep reading to learn how to ...

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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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During the winter season, there are many different illnesses that circulate. This can make it difficult to identify the cause of your symptoms and know when to seek medical care. Many confuse the flu and the stomach flu, but these two illnesses are caused by different viruses and they both affect the body in distinct ways. The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, leading to symptoms like fever, cough, body ...

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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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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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Stomach pain after eating can be a cause for concern, especially if it happens frequently. Learn more about treating frequent and occasional stomach pain. Save Your Spot Table of Contents Potential Causes and Treatments Upper Stomach vs. Lower Stomach Pain What To Do If Other Symptoms, like Diarrhea, Accompany the Stomach Pain What Do I Do If My Stomach Pain After Eating is Frequent? When Do I Need to See a Medical Provider? Potential Causes and Treatments ...

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Ear bleeding can be a sign of serious medical problems, especially if you’ve fallen or had head trauma. Explore potential ear bleeding causes and treatments. Save Your Spot Table of Contents Middle or Outer Ear Infection Head Trauma or Falling Torn or Ruptured Eardrum Foreign Object Barotrauma Other Infections Other Symptoms To Watch For When To Visit a Healthcare Provider Visit Your Local AFC Middle or Outer Ear Infection Infections in the ear, whether in the ...

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A lingering cough after a cold can be irritating and exhausting. Use these tips to get rid of your residual cough. Table of Contents What Causes a Lingering Cough How to Get Rid of a Chronic Cough Medications to Try When to See a Provider Visit Your Local AFC What Causes a Lingering Cough One of the most common causes of a chronic cough is a postnasal drip caused by allergies or a cold. Plus ...

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Feeling sick can be frustrating when you don’t know how to resolve your symptoms. Many different illnesses can circulate during the colder months, making it difficult to determine what is causing your symptoms. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and are looking for relief, it is important to identify what is leading to your symptoms. While a sore throat can occur as the result of vomiting, strep throat does not typically cause ...

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