Recent Blog Posts

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious respiratory infection culprit. From infants to older adults, RSV can affect people of all ages, making it essential to understand this viral infection's causes, symptoms, and treatments. Whether you're a concerned parent, a healthcare professional, or an individual seeking to safeguard your health, this comprehensive guide will delve into the details of RSV. Learning about RSV keeps you many steps ahead of the virus when ...

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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 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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Your health is your most valuable asset, and taking steps to maintain and enhance it is essential. One powerful way to do this is through regular health screening tests. These tests offer a proactive approach to identifying potential health issues before they become serious problems. Let’s delve into preventive care, explore crucial screening tests for different age groups, and highlight the benefits of receiving preventive care at an urgent care center. For same-day preventive ...

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Feeling under the weather? Is it a common cold or something more serious, like the flu? Distinguishing between these two respiratory illnesses is crucial for proper treatment and care. In this article, we will explore the causes and symptoms of both the common cold and the flu, helping you understand when it might be time to seek a diagnosis and treatment at urgent care. Causes and Symptoms of a Cold Causes: The common cold is ...

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Back-to-school sports physicals are vital for student athletes. They ensure health and meet requirements. Urgent care clinics offer quick, comprehensive exams with convenience and confidentiality. AFC provides affordable physicals, prioritizing your child's well-being.

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Pain in the lower left side of the abdomen in females can indicate unique problems related to women’s health. Learn more about what can cause pain and when to seek medical attention. Where is the pain coming from? There are many organs on the left side of the abdomen. When experiencing lower left side pain, it could be coming from one of these organs, according to the Cleveland Clinic: Small intestine Colon Appendix Ovaries ...

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Accidents are never planned for, and they can vary from mild to severe cases. Most people are usually caught between visiting an urgent care or emergency room for the best treatment. This particularly applies when the doctor’s office nearby is closed. How do you know where to go for specific health conditions or accidental incidents? Read on to discover answers to this question. Urgent Care Vs. Emergency Room Understanding the differences between urgent care ...

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If you or your loved one has an earache, it may be a symptom of an ear infection.  An ear infection is less common in adults or grown children. However, anyone can experience it if it’s due to an infection.   While it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you have a persistent earache caused by an infection, there are ways you can use to treat it at home. Keep scrolling to learn ...

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From 2010 to 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated there were 9.4 million to 41 million flu illnesses every year. But there is an easy way to protect yourself — the flu shot. Studies show that the severity of the flu is significantly less if you catch the flu but are vaccinated. The CDC says the flu vaccine reduces the risk of seeing a doctor for the flu by 40% to ...

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If you have an STD but haven't been sexually active, you may have contracted it through sharing needles, tattoos/piercings, blood transfusions, or other means. Some STDs are asymptomatic but can lead to serious health consequences if left untreated. AFC urgent care clinics offer confidential STD testing and treatment.

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What does hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) look like? The symptoms can look different for kids and adults. See what the symptoms can be and how to treat them. What is Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease? HFMD is a common viral illness caused by the enterovirus, most commonly the coxsackievirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the disease primarily affects children under 5, but anyone, including adults, can contract it. It’s typically a mild illness. The disease ...

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If you have a broken bone or a fracture, urgent care may be able to help. Learn the different types of fractures (broken bones), what we treat, and when to go to the ER vs. urgent care. How Do You Know a Bone is Broken? Every year, millions of people break a bone. Broken bones typically result from a trauma like a fall, car accident, or sports injury. Medical conditions such as osteoporosis or repetitive ...

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Physical for sports exams, also known as pre-participation physical examinations (PPEs), help determine whether a person is physically fit to participate in organized sports activities. This physical exam aims to identify any possible medical conditions that could put the athlete at risk for severe injury or illness during practice or competition. Sports physicals are typically done annually, though some states may require more frequent exams based on age and the type of sport being played ...

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While it is possible to develop lower back and leg pain from COVID, there are also several other causes. As experts in urgent healthcare services, AFC in Cedar Grove indicates why you might be experiencing back pain after COVID and explains some other reasons you might have lower back pain.    Lower Back and Leg Pain from COVID Lower back pain is a possible symptom of COVID-19. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise, given ...

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Activities that boost health and fitness are necessary for people dealing with or at risk of chronic diseases. According to the American Hospital Association, 133 million Americans are suffering from some chronic disease. It’s an alarming number putting a question on our current lifestyle. Therefore, knowing the top wellness and activities for spring in 2023 ensures you live a healthy lifestyle and reduce the chance of chronic diseases and other illnesses. Here’s how ...

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Let's admit children are hyperactive and are often susceptible to accidents and injuries. A medical emergency can happen anywhere in parks, homes, or even on the street your kid is walking. Therefore, knowing first aid basics to deal with any emergency, whether with a child or an adult, is crucial. First aid is one of the families' most valuable and significant skills in protecting people around them. First aid skills can help families prevent ...

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Although Sinus infections are more common than most infections, they sometimes take time to heal on their own. While most sinus infections will disappear independently, many can take longer to leave your human system, leaving its impact for many weeks to come. Depending on the cause and symptoms of a sinus infection, it is decided by a doctor how to treat that patient. To understand when antibiotics are necessary and when not, let's dive ...

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It is natural to believe that as winter draws close, so does the flu season. But this is not the case. Despite this, the reality is that there is still a risk of contracting the flu long into late winter and even until the beginning of spring. Even as late as May, medical professionals warn that flu activity might still be widespread. So is it possible to get the flu this late in the winter ...

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So, what is mono, and what are the symptoms? American Family Care in Cedar Grove has answers, and treatment, for you.  Mononucleosis (mono) is an infectious viral disease most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but other viruses can also cause it. Also sometimes known as the “kissing disease,” mono is spread through saliva and can even be passed from person to person from sharing cutlery and utensils. According to the CDC, mono occurs mainly ...

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