Recent Blog Posts

Will an Ear Infection Cause Hearing Loss?

Do Ear Infections Cause Hearing Loss? Ear infections are a frequent issue among children. In fact, statistics show that by age three, 83 percent of children will have experienced an ear infection. It’s a major reason for pediatric visits to healthcare providers. If your child has an ear infection but delay medical attention, there could be significant consequences. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga is here to help you understand more about the ...

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What Happens if I Get Salmonella While Pregnant?

What Happens if I Get Salmonella While Pregnant? When you’re pregnant, watching what you eat is crucial for your baby’s health. So, if you start feeling sick after eating, it’s normal to be concerned. With recent salmonella outbreaks from cantaloupe and charcuterie meats in the U.S., everyone is a little more vigilant about what they’re eating – especially expectant mothers! Is Salmonella Dangerous for Pregnant Women? No one likes to get ...

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Is There a Difference Between Telemedicine and Telehealth Urgent Care?

Is There a Difference Between Telemedicine and Telehealth Urgent Care? Telehealth urgent care and telemedicine are terms that are often  used interchangeably but actually have some distinct differences. Telehealth is an umbrella term that refers to the use of technology in a variety of healthcare services, while telemedicine is a specific type of telehealth service that involves remote clinical services between a doctor and a patient. Pre-Register What Is Telehealth Urgent Care? At its core ...

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Food Poisoning: When and Why to Visit AFC Chattanooga TN

Food Poisoning: When and Why to Visit AFC Chattanooga TN Food poisoning is an unwelcome and often unpredictable health concern that can strike when we least expect it. Defined as an illness caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages, it can manifest as various symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe gastrointestinal distress. While some cases resolve on their own with rest and hydration, there are instances where seeking prompt medical attention becomes crucial. ${custom_link_1_title ...

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What is a DOT Physical? Requirements & What to Expect

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?

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?

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?

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

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?

Getting Strep Without Tonsils? Is It Possible? AFC Chattanooga TN 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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Why Is My Skin So Dry?

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?

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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When Is RSV Dangerous?

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?

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

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

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?

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?

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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