Here’s why Tennesseans visit urgent care in the summer & ways you can prevent a trip to AFC. If you need us, walk-in, no appointment needed. 

No one does summer, quite like East Tennessee. From kayaking and fishing on Fort Loudoun Lake to adrenaline rushing moments at Anakeesta, there’s always something exciting to do. But with the sunshine and fresh air also come a handful of common health concerns that tend to spike during the warmer months. At AFC clinics across East Tennessee, we see a surge in certain summertime ailments.  

Here’s what to watch for, and how to stay safe and healthy all season long.  

Visit an East Tennessee AFC Clinic today.  

Heat Rash and Sunburn 

With hot, humid weather comes the increased risk of skin issues like heat rash and sunburn. Heat rash happens when sweat ducts become blocked, trapping sweat under the skin and causing small, itchy red bumps or pimples. It’s more common in young children but adults can develop it, too, especially if you’re spending long hours in the heat or working outdoors. Keeping your skin cool and dry and wearing loose cotton clothing is the best way to prevent it. If the rash becomes painful, swollen, or starts to ooze it’s time to seek medical attention. 

Sunburn is a regular summer visitor. Prolonged sun exposure without protection can quickly lead to painful, red skin. Fair skin burns more easily, but anyone can suffer a sunburn, and over time, repeated burns can increase your risk of skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and staying in the shade can make a big difference. If your sunburn blisters or causes intense pain, a visit to AFC can help with symptom relief and reduce the risk of complications. 

Food Poisoning and Gastroenteritis 

Backyard barbecues and summer picnics are part of what makes this season so great, but they can also set the stage for foodborne illness. Warm temperatures allow bacteria to grow quickly on improperly stored or undercooked food. It doesn’t take much for the symptoms to set in: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping usually appear within hours of eating contaminated food. To prevent trips to the outhouse, wash your hands often, toss anything that’s been sitting out for too long, and bring portable fridges and coolers.  

Most cases resolve on their own with rest and hydration, but if symptoms are severe or last longer than a day or two, AFC providers can help treat dehydration and rule out more serious infections.  

Swimmer’s Ear 

All that swimming in the lake or pool can lead to an uncomfortable ear infection known as swimmer’s ear. It happens when water stays trapped in the ear canal, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria thrive.  

Early symptoms may include itching or discomfort, but swimmer’s ear often becomes more painful over time and may even cause muffled hearing or fluid drainage. To prevent swimmer’s ear, always thoroughly dry ears after water immersion, wear swim ear plugs, and avoid swimming in bacteria contaminated water.  

It doesn’t typically clear up on its own and requires medical treatment, usually in the form of antibiotic ear drops. If your ear starts acting up after a swim, stop by an AFC clinic. 

Sports Injuries 

From hiking in the Smokies to playing pick-up basketball, summer is a physical time of the year, which can sometimes lead to injuries. At our East Tennessee locations, we frequently treat sprains, strains, broken bones, and fractures. 

Wearing appropriate footwear, warming up before exercise, and knowing your limits can help prevent injuries. But when accidents happen, AFC is here with walk-in care and digital X-rays available on site. Whether it’s a twisted ankle, a sore shoulder, or a nasty scrape, we’ll help get you back on your feet.  

Insect Bites and Allergic Reactions 

Mosquitoes, ticks, and poison ivy are all part of life in East Tennessee. While most bites and rashes are harmless, some can lead to more serious symptoms. Reactions can include swelling, redness, hives, itching, and even dizziness or difficulty breathing in more severe cases. Tick bites, in particular, should be monitored for flu-like symptoms, a bullseye-shaped rash or muscles aches, which could be signs of a tick-borne illness. 

Preventive steps like using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves on hikes, and learning to recognize poisonous plants can help, but if you end up with a reaction that worsens or just won’t go away, our team is ready to help you get relief quickly.  

Staying Healthy in Tennessee 

Our AFC Tennessee clinics are here to make sure you and your family can enjoy all the best parts of summer without being sidelined by unexpected health concerns. Whether it’s a case of food poisoning, a summer sprain, or a rash you’re not sure about, you can walk in any day of the week for fast, friendly care. 

So go out and soak up the season, but keep AFC in mind if things don’t go according to plan. We’ve got your back, all summer long.