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.
There are so many different illnesses and conditions out there that have the potential to make you feel sick or even just a little “off.” While certain illnesses like a stomach bug or even the common cold may have obvious symptoms, others may be more difficult to pinpoint. That’s where our diagnostic skills come in handy! In addition to our reliable physical exams and our highly knowledgeable staff, we have a variety of diagnostic ...
We are certainly grateful to live and work in the Chattanooga area. The valley offers wonderful outdoor opportunities and nature trails to explore, and we are glad to see so many of our community members outside right along with us. While you are out and about, beware of bugs! Not all insects are dangerous, but some can cause some uncomfortable symptoms and can actually make you sick if you get bitten or stung. Read on ...
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 ...
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are incredibly common in our community and across the country. While it may feel uncomfortable to think about potentially contracting an STD, it is always a possibility that you may develop one sometime. Did you know that AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga tests for STDs? We can run a series of tests, including some rapid tests, to get to the bottom of your symptoms and help you feel better faster. Read ...
We are all vulnerable to developing illnesses and conditions throughout our life, no matter how old we are. While some illnesses are more common in childhood, others are more common as you age. Dementia is one illness that becomes more of a risk as you reach later adulthood. No one wants to think about the possibility of losing their memory. Dementia is not only hard on the person who has been diagnosed, but also for ...
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 ...
Getting hurt is a part of life! Even though we do our best to take care of ourselves and avoid injury, it sometimes just happens when you live an active lifestyle. But what happens when the injury you thought was just a strain or sprain is still causing you pain? That’s where we come in! Our center is fully equipped with an X-ray machine that can help diagnose a potential fracture or break with ...
When you are pregnant, you are always on high alert when it comes to diet and nutrition. After all, you are working hard to provide the best environment for your perfect little son or daughter! So when you start to feel ill after a meal, it can be a scary experience. Coming down with food poisoning is never fun, but it is especially troublesome when you are pregnant. You are not only more tired and ...
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 ...
Raise your hand if you love summer! The warmer temperatures are here, and we are loving it right along with you. While the summer season is a favorite for many people, it is important to protect yourself against the dangers of the strong summer sun. Minimizing your long-term exposure and protecting your skin from burning should always be your priority whenever you are outside. Repeated sunburns (and even sun exposure without a burn) can increase ...
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 Chattanooga 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 ...
The foods you choose to eat on a daily basis have a direct impact on your overall health. It may not feel like it at the moment, but you will feel the effects of a poor diet as you get older and start to experience health complications. One part of our bodies that benefits from a healthy and well-rounded diet is our bones! Having strong bones helps you navigate your day-to-day tasks more easily, and ...
So, what is mono, and what are the symptoms? American Family Care in Chattanooga 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 ...
The healthcare industry has evolved to include telehealth urgent care, an innovative technology that has made it easier for people worldwide to access healthcare virtually. This medical service offers faster urgent care visits through virtual appointments, providing services from physical exams to diagnostics, which allows healthcare providers to connect with patients remotely, providing care, support, and information from a distance. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility or transportation issues, with busy schedules ...
The spring season has arrived with warmer temperatures, brighter sunshine and…a runny nose. Feeling sick is never fun, but it can be especially frustrating if you don’t know what is causing your symptoms to appear. If you have seasonal allergies, you might just attribute your symptoms to a flareup, but not so fast! You should understand what is causing your symptoms so you can avoid potentially spreading an illness to someone else. Our ...
The pandemic changed many industries and processes over the last few years. The perseverance and ingenuity of our community allowed us to continue serving our patients even in a world of uncertainty! Now that the pandemic’s emergency status will end in May, certain processes will go back to normal and the healthcare industry will see some changes again. Included in that list of changes will be some aspects of telemedicine. We are happy to ...
There are many reasons why you might be experiencing ear pain. Allergies, sinus infections, tooth troubles and ear infections are all common reasons why your ear may be aching or ringing. If you suspect an ear infection, it is important that you visit with your care team for a proper diagnosis. Our AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga team explains what an ear infection often feels like, so check out our latest blog below to learn more ...
Urgent care providers offer convenient, time-saving alternatives to visiting an emergency room for minor, non-life-threatening medical conditions. These healthcare centers typically have shorter wait times and offer services like X-rays, urgent treatment of colds and flu, sprains, strains, and fractures, on-site lab tests, and physicals. Urgent care centers provide efficient diagnoses of various health problems, ranging from minor to severe. Some are also equipped with on-site lab testing capabilities so that patients can get results ...
A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is a frustrating ailment that causes a runny nose, congestion, swollen and/or itching eyes, a sore throat, headaches, and other symptoms. While there isn’t necessarily a quick sinus infection cure, there are certainly ways that you can ease your discomfort and speed up your recovery. If you’re suffering from sinusitis, know that you aren’t alone; approximately 90% of patients with colds have an element of viral ...
