Recent Blog Posts

How Much is an X-Ray? Urgent Care X-Ray Cost vs. ER X-Ray Cost

You’re at soccer practice for your son, and he trips and falls on his arm and is immediately in pain. While your first thought might not be, “How much is an x-ray?” there are a few things to consider when choosing where to go for treatment. Before you visit an ER for an x-ray, you may want to consider the cost. Here’s what ER x-rays cost vs. urgent care x-rays, including x-ray cost ...

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Urgent Care vs Emergency Room: The Key Differences

What is an urgent care clinic? And how does it differ from the emergency room? When should you go to the emergency room, and when should you go to an urgent care center? Whatever questions you may have, American Family Care has the answers. What Is An Urgent Care Clinic? Urgent care is the level of healthcare that lies between your primary care physician (PCP) and the emergency room. When you go to urgent care ...

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Itchy Throat Remedies: What Causes It & 6 Ways to Make it Stop

An itchy throat is a common symptom that can have a variety of causes. It can make daily living uncomfortable as it’s difficult to talk or swallow with an irritated throat. Explore itchy throat remedies that can help soothe symptoms from allergies or other itchy throat causes. Causes of an Itchy Throat A number of factors can cause an irritated throat. Allergies and viral infections are the most common. Some of the other common ...

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Common Symptoms of Sun Poisoning

Spending time in the sun is a great way to enjoy outdoor activities, but protecting yourself from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is important. However, it’s essential to know the common signs and symptoms of sun poisoning and when to seek treatment. Whether you're planning a day at the beach, a hike in the mountains, or simply spending time in your own backyard, understanding the signs and risks of sun poisoning ...

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Heat Rash Symptoms and Treatment

In the sweltering heat of summer or during periods of intense physical activity, many of us have experienced the discomfort of heat rash symptoms. This common skin condition, also known as prickly heat or miliaria, can put a damper on our outdoor adventures and leave us itching and irritated. Understanding the symptoms and treatment options for heat rash is crucial to managing this condition and ensuring our skin stays healthy. Additionally, it’s essential to ...

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When to Take Your Child to Pediatric Urgent Care

As a parent, it can be difficult to know when your child's illness or injury requires urgent medical attention. Pediatric urgent care clinics are designed to provide immediate medical attention for children with non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries that require prompt treatment but are not severe enough to require a trip to the emergency room. These centers are designed to provide accessible care that is much more affordable than pediatrician or primary care physician visits ...

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Debunking Cold and Flu Season Myth

As the seasons change and the temperature drops, it's not uncommon to hear warnings about the arrival of cold and flu season. During this time, many people become more wary of their health and take extra precautions to avoid getting sick. However, amidst the heightened awareness, numerous myths and misconceptions about this season have been perpetuated over the years. American Family Care (AFC) debunks these myths and separates fact from fiction, enabling you to ...

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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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Can I Have the Flu Even Though I Got My Flu Shot?

The annual flu shot provides protection against the flu to help prevent severe illness. It is a simple and safe precaution that you can take to ensure that you and your loved ones stay healthy this flu season. There are many misconceptions surrounding the flu shot, which is why it is important to understand how it works to keep you protected from serious illness. How Does the Flu Shot Work? A common misconception regarding the ...

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Why Won't My Runny Nose Go Away?

Have you ever had an annoying illness symptom that seems to linger much longer than any other symptom? Or, maybe you weren’t even sick but your nose won’t stop running? Sometimes, this can be a symptom of your environment, rather than a symptom of an illness. Learn about common illness symptoms, how long they should last, and what to do if they won’t go away. What Causes a Runny Nose? Having a ...

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Can You Get Strep Without Tonsils?

Getting Strep Without Tonsils? Is It Possible? AFC Castle Rock CO 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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How to Keep Your Child Illness-Free This Fall

The changing of seasons brings an array of common illnesses. Children are especially vulnerable to contracting viral infections during the fall season due to frequent contact with others in the classroom. This article explores the various illnesses that can affect children during the fall season, emphasizing the importance of vaccines in preventing these diseases. It also discusses a simple yet powerful practice: teaching proper handwashing. With these strategies, you can help keep your child illness-free ...

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Is the Stomach Flu the Same as Influenza?

Suffering from illness can be distressing. Understanding the nature of your ailment is the first step toward recovery. The terms "stomach flu" and "influenza" are often used interchangeably, which is confusing and misleading. However, it's essential to know that these two conditions are distinct in their causes and symptoms. Understanding these specific yet occasionally confusing ailments is crucial for effective symptom management. So, let's delve into the stomach flu symptoms and the significant ...

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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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Why You Should See an Urgent Care Doctor for Wart Removal

Why You Should See an Urgent Care Doctor for Wart Removal Home remedies for warts might not be as effective as you hope, so we recommend seeing an urgent care doctor for wart removal to treat these pesky growths at their source. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can appear almost anywhere on the body, causing both physical discomfort and self-consciousness. This article takes you through everything you need to know about ...

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September Safety for Athletes: Tips For Avoiding Sports Injuries

Fall is a fantastic time for sports enthusiasts. The weather is cooler, and the colors of the leaves provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. Whether you're into football, soccer, or any other fall sport, it's essential to keep safety in mind to avoid injuries that can damage your season. Read further to learn common injuries during fall sports and tips on preventing them. Common Injuries during Fall Sports Sprains and Strains: Ankle ...

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How to Recognize Cold vs. Flu Symptoms

It's that time of the year when sniffles, coughs, and body aches become all too common. But is it just a cold, or could it be the flu? Distinguishing between these two viral infections can be essential for getting the right treatment and ensuring a speedy recovery. Read further to learn more! Causes And Symptoms Of A Cold The common cold is primarily caused by various viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most frequent culprits ...

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Sports Physicals: Getting Ready to Go Back to School

Sports Physicals: Getting Ready to Go Back to School Before hitting the field, court, or track, there's a crucial checkpoint that ensures the well-being of our student-athletes: sports physicals.  These check-ups are a proactive approach to safeguarding the health and performance of young athletes. They not only fulfill school and sports league requirements but also serve as a comprehensive assessment to detect and prevent potential health issues. Pre-Register The Importance of Sports Physicals Physicals ...

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