Recent Blog Posts

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, affecting millions of people each year. They can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, but the symptoms are typically not severe. However, in some cases, a UTI can lead to a more intense illness, causing other symptoms like a fever to develop. It’s important to understand when this happens and when medical attention might be necessary. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes and symptoms of UTIs, and ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

Have you suddenly felt feverish or are you currently battling with a persistent headache? It might seem strange as you did not feel sick a few days ago. However, you have noticed that as the season changes, you suddenly get sick and come down with a cold. Well, you are not alone as billions of people experience the same thing. During seasonal changes, the atmosphere becomes packed with pollen and allergens that can get you ...

Read more..

As the year races to its end, we are once again approaching the season of discomfort. In the United States, the flu season starts at the beginning of October, hence, preparations are in earnest to protect oneself against the influenza virus. The annual flu vaccination is a collective effort to prevent the spread of influenza virus. It is designed by the government for anyone older than 6 months. Although it plays a major role in ...

Read more..

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. Book Now The Importance of Sports Physicals Physicals ...

Read more..

The summer season brings with it a promise of sun-soaked adventures and endless outdoor fun. Ensuring your child's safety and well-being during these exciting times is paramount as a parent. While the allure of outdoor activities is irresistible, choosing options to keep them safe is essential. There should be a balance in entertainment but also safeguard their health. From preventing injuries to minimizing risks of illnesses and sunburns, here's a comprehensive guide to ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

Sexually transmitted infections (STDs) are a widespread health issue that, if neglected, can have catastrophic repercussions. It causes mild to severe symptoms which range from a little discomfort to severe pain, and infertility. Fortunately, STD testing is widely accessible and can assist patients in recognizing and treating these diseases at an early stage. This article explains STD testing for patients, along with its effect on general health, and the benefits of testing in reducing the ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

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 Speer 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 ...

Read more..

So, what is mono, and what are the symptoms? American Family Care in Speer 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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read 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 ...

Read more..

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 ...

Read more..

We are in the peak of the flu season and expectedly there has been a spike in the outbreak of flu and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial virus) all over the country. Most people often confuse RSV with flu or common cold. This is because both conditions tend to have the same symptoms. If you’re unsure how to differentiate the two, then this post is for you. This article is to help our readers identify Flu ...

Read more..