Recent Blog Posts

Food Poisoning: When and Why to Visit AFC Chattanooga TN

December 18, 2023

Food poisoning symptoms range from mild to severe. While rest and hydration often help, urgent care is needed for persistent vomiting/diarrhea, severe pain, high fever, dehydration, or if you're in a high-risk group. Ignoring symptoms can lead to complications.

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What is a DOT Physical? Requirements & What to Expect

December 17, 2023

There are nearly 3.4 million truck drivers in the United States, according to a 2020 survey by the American Trucking Associations. Most truck drivers must pass a Department of Transportation Physical (DOT Physical) to keep a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). If you’re wondering what a DOT physical is, here’s what to expect during one. Understanding What a DOT Physical Is The U.S. Department of Transportation sets the DOT physical ...

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Herpes vs. Yeast Infections: What’s What?

December 17, 2023

Are you wondering if you have genital herpes or a vaginal yeast infection? Learn the common signs of genital herpes vs. vaginal yeast infections so you know what to discuss with your doctor. What is Herpes? Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by two types of viruses — herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). In addition, there are genital and oral herpes. Unfortunately, both are chronic ...

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How Do I Treat Kitchen Burns?

December 2, 2023

What Should I Do If I Burn Myself While Cooking? Trying to cook at home more in 2024? The Sweet & Savory Classroom’s hands-on classes and The Chattery’s cooking workshops are perfect for both beginners and seasoned chefs. Before you dive into new recipes and cooking tricks, don’t forget that safety comes first. Kitchen burns happen to the best of us. They sting, they scare, and they can make you avoid the kitchen ...

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Is Going to Urgent Care Like Going to the Emergency Room?

December 1, 2023

Urgent care centers offer fast, convenient medical care for non-emergency illnesses and injuries. They are open extended hours and provide a cost-effective alternative to the ER. They also bridge the gap between primary and specialty care, streamlining referrals and follow-up treatments.

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What Are Some Good Ways to Stay Healthy During the Holidays?

November 15, 2023

With all of our favorite holidays right around the corner, you may be consumed with the tasks of shopping, decorating and making plans to see family and friends. While you are busy looking forward to all of the fun that is to be had soon and the memories to be made, illnesses are lurking right out of sight that could appear and derail all of your plans. Common illnesses like colds, the flu and strep ...

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Can You Get Strep Without Tonsils?

November 14, 2023

Is getting strep without tonsils possible? Yes. Strep throat is caused by bacteria that can live in the nose and mouth, spread through saliva or contact with contaminated surfaces. Strep throat symptoms include sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, red/swollen tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes. Tonsillitis and strep throat are different. Strep throat is caused by bacteria, while tonsillitis can be caused by bacteria or a virus. If you think you have tonsillitis or strep throat, visit an urgent care center for diagnosis and treatment.

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Why Is My Skin So Dry?

November 12, 2023

Why Is My Skin So Dry in the Winter? Whether you’re finding deals at Hamilton Place Mall, staying at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo, or exploring the seasonal festivities at Rock City, there’s nothing like Chattanooga in the wintertime. But when your skin feels rough or you’re distracted by itchy skin, it’s hard to embrace this time of year. Don’t let dry skin keep you from enjoying the cold weather. Start following ...

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Here Are the Facts: Can Bronchitis Turn Into Pneumonia?

November 10, 2023

Bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, can sometimes develop into pneumonia if left untreated. This is more likely in individuals with weakened immune systems. Pneumonia is a lung infection with symptoms such as cough, chest pain, chills, and fever. Both conditions require medical attention, but treatments differ depending on the cause and severity.

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What Are the Degrees of Burns? A Guide to Identifying Burns

November 7, 2023

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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When Is RSV Dangerous?

November 3, 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is an upper respiratory infection that can affect your child’s ability to breathe normally. Most otherwise healthy adults will experience mild symptoms from RSV, but it can be especially dangerous for kids. Our AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga team understands how serious RSV can be, so we want to arm you with the knowledge you need to help your entire family stay safe and healthy. Read on to learn more ...

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Do I Need the Flu Shot This Season?

October 24, 2023

It seems like just yesterday we were talking about the upcoming flu season, doesn’t it? This year flew by, and we are gearing up for another fall and winter season of the flu, COVID-19, strep throat and RSV. Getting sick at this time of year is really frustrating, and sometimes it is just not preventable. However, taking steps like getting your annual flu shot can go a long ways toward keeping you healthy! Come ...

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Urgent Care Experts Offer Alternatives to Phenylephrine

October 7, 2023

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

October 2, 2023

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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How Can I Tell Between Strep Throat and COVID-19?

October 1, 2023

Colds, the flu, COVID-19 and strep throat are all common illnesses in the fall and winter months. Since we spend so much time indoors in close proximity to each other at this time of year, these illnesses can spread quickly. Even if you get enough sleep, eat well and take care of yourself, there is always the chance that you will get sick at some point. And many of these illnesses share similar symptoms, so ...

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Should I Be on the Lookout for COVID-19 This Year?

September 15, 2023

We have dealt with all kinds of illnesses and conditions over the years, and chances are that you have, too. Getting sick from time to time is just a part of life. While you might think that you don’t need to be worried about COVID-19 anymore if you have already had it, you would be wrong. COVID-19 is still circulating in our community and the different variants can still make you sick, even if ...

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What Are Some Common Reasons for Falling at Home?

September 14, 2023

Anyone is at risk of falling at home, whether it be due to an accident or a simple trip walking from room to room. While most kids and younger adults can just hope right back up and move on with their day, falling can be much more serious for older adults. One in three adults over the age of 65 will have at least one fall a year, and there is always the risk that ...

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Sports Physicals: Getting Ready to Go Back to School

September 10, 2023

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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Is My Child’s Sports-Related Injury Serious?

September 4, 2023

When you have active children who are involved in sports, you know that injuries are inevitable at some point in their athletic careers. While you can’t completely prevent injuries from occurring, you can help minimize their risk of getting hurt. Do you know what you would do if your child got hurt during a game or practice? Our team at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga is extremely knowledgeable about sports injuries and will help you ...

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Will Smoking Make Me Sick Later in Life?

August 15, 2023

If you have been smoking for a large majority of your life, we are sure you have heard many of the statistics and warnings about the dangers of chronic smoking. It has become more apparent over the last few years just how dangerous this addictive habit can be. We know that quitting an addictive habit can be really hard, but the work you put in now will pay off in many big ways later when ...

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