Recent Blog Posts

If you’ve ever had the flu, you know the symptoms can knock you off your feet for days. The illness can be intense, causing a range of symptoms– including fever, cough, fatigue, and body aches. So how does the flu cause body aches? In this blog we’ll explore this symptom, outline some prevention tips, and offer guidance on when to seek medical attention. For walk-in flu shots and same-day flu treatment, visit the ...

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Coughing up mucus can often be a sign of your body protecting yourself. There are various conditions that can cause coughing, so when does it become a cause for concern? It’s crucial to understand why this happens and when it might indicate a more serious issue. In this blog, we’ll explore three common reasons why you might find yourself coughing up mucus and when it might be necessary to seek medical attention. Get ...

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Getting Strep Without Tonsils? Is It Possible? AFC Clark NJ 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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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 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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Have you gotten your annual flu shot yet? As we head closer to peak cold and flu season, it’s important to find some time to get your flu vaccination. Flu shots are your best defense against the influenza virus. While they generally cause no reaction at all, some people may experience a few side effects– including a rash. So, is a rash from a flu shot normal or is it something to be concerned ...

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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) has long been a concern, especially for parents with young children and individuals with compromised immune systems. Understanding how RSV spreads is crucial for implementing effective prevention strategies and safeguarding vulnerable populations. In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and transmission of RSV so you can protect your loved ones and seek medical attention when necessary. For same-day RSV testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC ...

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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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As we gradually move deeper into the fall, we get closer to the peak of cold and flu season. Influenza, or the flu, is a common illness during the fall and winter months and the symptoms can spread rapidly. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes and symptoms of influenza, as well as explain the duration that one may be contagious with the illness. For same-day flu shots and flu treatment, visit the walk-in ...

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Headaches are a common ailment that can have a variety of causes, from stress to more serious underlying medical conditions. But have you ever wondered if allergies could be behind your recurring headaches? In fact, headaches and seasonal allergies may be more connected than you think. In this blog, we’ll explore the relationship between allergies and headaches so you know what to do to find relief. For same-day allergy relief, visit the walk-in clinic ...

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Sports Physicals: Getting Ready to Go Back to School Before hitting the field, court, or track, there's a crucial checkpoint that ensures the well-being of our student-athletes: sports physicals.  These check-ups are a proactive approach to safeguarding the health and performance of young athletes. They not only fulfill school and sports league requirements but also serve as a comprehensive assessment to detect and prevent potential health issues. Save Your Spot The Importance of Sports Physicals Physicals ...

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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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As the summer draws to a close, the excitement of a new school year begins to rise! Amidst the chaos of school supplies and new class schedules, it’s essential for parents to prioritize their child’s health and well-being. Ensuring your child’s health is in check not only sets them up for a successful academic year, but also promotes their overall development. In this blog, we’ll outline five crucial tips to include ...

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As the seasons change and we find ourselves amidst various environmental triggers, it’s not uncommon to experience symptoms that resemble the common cold. However, these symptoms can also potentially be attributed to seasonal allergies. Distinguishing between the two can be challenging, but understanding the key differences can help you recognize the underlying cause and seek appropriate care. In this blog, we’ll outline the differences between colds and allergies so you can get relief ...

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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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I Have an STD, But I'm Not Sexually Active If you have contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD) but are not sexually active, there are a few reasons why this could be the case. "STD" refers to the constellation of diseases that result from a sexually transmitted infection (STI). For example, cervical cancer is an STD from the STI of HPV. Though it is possible to contract an STI even if you are not ...

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Fever is a common symptom that accompanies various illnesses– ranging from minor infections to more severe conditions. Many individuals may notice the appearance of a rash during the course of a fever. This can cause several questions to arise, like whether the rash is normal or an indication of something more serious. In this blog, we’ll explore the relationship between fevers and rashes, the different types of rashes that can occur, and when it ...

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Fall is quickly approaching! Many families are starting to prepare for the upcoming school year and the return of the sports season. While sports are an integral part of our lives, it’s important to remember the potential risks they pose. Falls, sprains, and other sports injuries can have serious consequences that can sideline athletes for weeks or even months. Fortunately, with proper precautions and awareness, we can take significant steps to prevent these injuries ...

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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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