We’ve all felt it coming on, the scratchy throat, stuffy nose, congestion, and fatigue associated with a respiratory infection. You could be out enjoying a beautiful winter’s snowy day tubing on Sugar Mountain, Blowing Rock, Mars Hill, or in Cordelia Park in Charlotte but later feel more exhausted and run down than normal. Often, these are the first symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, also known as a URI. Respiratory infections are common ...
Winter in North Carolina is the season of sniffles, sore throats, and lingering coughs, whether you’re catching up with friends at a Boxcar Bar + Arcade location or competing in a lively game of bowling at Dave & Buster’s in Concord with family, no one has time for a cold that just won’t go away. While most colds clear up within a week or two, symptoms that just won’t resolve can be frustrating ...
Overeating during the holidays, especially if you are indulging in a great meal at STK Steakhouse in Charlotte, the Angus Barn in Raleigh, or Circa 1922 in Wilmington, is common, but having nagging digestive upset and pain afterwards is not. How do you know if your symptoms are normal or if you need to seek medical care and treatment? This blog will help you understand the differences between indigestion and pancreatitis, what the symptoms for ...
Every flu season is different, and this year’s is already shaping up to be an active one. Whether out shopping at Charlotte Premium Outlets, Tanger Outlets Asheville, or Crabtree Shopping Mall in Raleigh; catching the flu is an unfortunate possibility. If you’ve started feeling run-down or you’re trying to stay ahead of the virus, AFC Urgent Care is here to help you recognize symptoms early, get fast testing, and receive the treatment ...
Primary Care Vs. Urgent Care: What’s the Difference? Determining where to go to seek medical treatment can be confusing. Have you ever needed immediate medical care for something but weren’t sure where to go? Should you go to your primary care doctor? Would urgent care be the better option? Is it serious enough for the emergency room? Deciding whether or not to go to the Emergency Room is straightforward. ER care is needed ...
Going out to eat with friends or family during the holidays can be an enjoyable way to spend time together. Spending time shopping, ice skating, or looking at the lights at one of the many North Carolina holiday markets can also be a great way to make memories with family and friends. However, feeling sick afterwards can be unsettling and something you shouldn’t ignore. Understanding if your digestive upset is from contaminated food or ...
Stuffy nose, facial pressure, and a relentless headache; sound familiar? If you’re battling these symptoms, you might be asking yourself: is this a sinus infection, or just seasonal allergies acting up? The overlap of symptoms can be confusing, especially in the transitional seasons of spring and fall when pollen counts soar and respiratory issues spike. But knowing the difference between the two isn’t just helpful; it’s essential for choosing the right treatment ...
Wondering if you have athlete’s foot or something else? Learn about the symptoms, treatment options, and prevention tips to keep your feet healthy and fungus free; as well as learning about some other common issues that could be causing your foot issues. Being active by hiking or walking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, running a 5K, or paddling through one of North Carolina’s scenic waterways are great things you can do ...
North Carolina families often ask: urgent care vs. MinuteClinic? Learn why AFC clinics of NC offer faster, fuller care when you need it. North Carolina is a state on the move, from weekends in the Blue Ridge Mountains, to afternoons on the Outer Banks, to busy weekdays in Charlotte and Raleigh. But when an unexpected illness or injury interrupts your plans, knowing where to go for care can save you time and stress. For many ...
You were planning a quiet stop at the public library after school, but now your child’s sniffles are sending you to urgent care instead. That change of plans can throw off any kid, especially when the new plan involves a visit to the clinic. If your little one is nervous, don’t worry, it’s totally normal. Whether it’s their first urgent care visit or they’ve been before and didn’t love ...
Picture this: you’re craving coffee, but the Starbucks line is out the door. You decide to come back later. Now think about urgent care and how it can be no different, and more frustrating since you might be feeling sick. A wait at an AFC Urgent Care clinic means the team is taking their time to care for everyone properly, and that includes you. By understanding how wait times work and staying patient, you ...
You’ve probably heard both “STI” and “STD” used in conversations, in shows, or online, but have you ever wondered what the difference is? Maybe someone brought it up in passing, and it stuck with you. You’re not alone, it’s a common question, and the answer is more than just about terminology. How we talk about sexual health affects how we feel about it and how likely we are to take care of ...
Keeping employees safe and productive shouldn’t be complicated or expensive. At AFC Urgent Care, we keep it simple! Every strong business starts with a healthy team. That’s why our clinics in North Carolina Apartner with local businesses to offer occupational health services that do more than just treat injuries, we help prevent them! We’re proud to keep NC’s workforce strong, safe, and thriving. Learn more about our occupational health services! Workplace ...
Planning a trip to our clinic? We know you probably have plenty of questions. To make things easier, we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions, from details about wait times and bringing your children along to insurance coverage. We’ve got you covered every step of the way. Questions Covered: What Is the Typical Wait Time at the Clinic? Does the Clinic Give Care to Kids? Does This Clinic Treat Workers’ Comp ...
As the outdoors beckon with the promise of fresh air and vibrant scenery, it’s a great time to enjoy nature and take care of your health. Embracing an active lifestyle means scheduling routine check-ups, including STD testing, an essential step if you’re sexually active. By understanding when to get tested, what to expect during the process, and how AFC Urgent Care can support you, you can confidently protect your well-being all season long ...
Following a lively weekend spent with your family at parks, a museum, and an escape room, you’re met with unsettling news: measles is making its way through the community. In these times, especially after COVID, any health alert can feel extra worrisome. AFC Urgent Care is here to explain what’s happening. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that has recently seen increased cases throughout the United States. Although it was nearly wiped ...
The way we receive healthcare has evolved dramatically in recent years. Telemedicine was already a part of the picture before COVID-19, but the pandemic really boosted its popularity. With many clinics now welcoming patients in person, you have a mix of options that can be tailored to your unique needs. In this article, AFC Urgent Care will explain what each option offers and compare their benefits and drawbacks. Why Use Telehealth? Telemedicine allows you to ...
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. Pre-Register 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 ...
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. Pre-Register Understanding How Long Fevers Last in Infants In most cases, fevers in infants last around two to three days ...
The winter season has its own unique charm, with cold, crisp air inspiring cozy nights wrapped in fluffy blankets, sipping on hot chocolate. Local festive traditions keep the community cheerful and engaged during this time. While many embrace the slower pace and comforting moments of winter, others may find themselves battling feelings of sadness, low energy, and isolation. If these emotions sound familiar, it’s worth exploring the possibility of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Recognizing ...