Recent Blog Posts

Ideally, flu vaccine or flu shot is distributed annually within and outside the United States. Getting vaccinated is vital to help protect people from circulating strains. When Flu Season Starts: Causes and Symptoms of Flu Flu season typically begins in the fall and peaks during winter. The flu, or influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. These viruses can be categorized into different types (A, B, and C), with subtypes and ...

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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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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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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 Edgewater 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 ...

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

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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Local urgent care centers in Edgewater, or family walk-in clinics, offer patients convenient and affordable urgent healthcare services. When you visit a family walk-in clinic, you can expect quick, quality care at a fraction of the cost of your local emergency room.  Emergency rooms tend to be very busy and crowded and are associated with longer waiting times and higher fees. By going to a walk-in doctor’s office for a non-life-threatening illness or injury ...

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What is an urgent care clinic? And how does it differ from the emergency room? When should you go to the emergency room, and when should you go to an urgent care center? Whatever questions you may have, AFC has the answers.    What Is An Urgent Care Clinic? Urgent care is the level of healthcare that lies between your primary care physician (PCP) and the emergency room. When you go to urgent care, you can ...

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X-ray, also known as X-radiation, is a type of electromagnetic radiation used in medical imaging. It creates images of structures inside the body using tiny amounts of electromagnetic radiation. Afterwards, the images can be viewed on film or digitally. Many medical conditions may necessitate the use of X-rays in order to be diagnosed although when it comes to diagnosing injuries and illnesses, an X-ray isn't always necessary. If an x-ray or another radiological procedure ...

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When it comes to health care providers and services, the list is long. Hospitals are the first on the list but others include clinics, community health centers, Medicaid, government health care providers, urgent care centers, sexual/mental/addiction health clinics, large private health facilities, pharmacies, and so on. However, a surprise medical bill can be a stressful financial strain on families and patients whenever they visit a hospital or a large provider organization. This and ...

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As a commercial driver, you know that there are quite a few rules and regulations that you need to stay on top of to comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT). These regulations, set out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), ensure that drivers are fully capable of performing their duties. A physical exam is one of those things that you need to do to follow these rules. Today, we’ll discuss everything ...

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Although it may be awkward at times, being open with your doctor about your health could save your life. No one wants to talk about sexually transmitted diseases. Some people may not feel comfortable talking about sex at all. Unfortunately, a doctor can only help a patient with testing or treatment if they are made aware of the patient's concerns or symptoms. While STDs may be painful and dangerous, testing for them is not ...

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It’s that time of year again when colds, flus, allergies and sinus issues arise. Sinus issues actually may accompany all of these. While sinus issues occur for various reasons, they are very common. Regardless they are not only a painful nuisance, but they can be scary as well. With the coronavirus still spreading it is especially important to pay close attention to sinus issues. No matter because sinus problems occur there are ways to ...

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" Healthcare costs can be a huge burden to bear if you do not strategize your savings plans smartly. Paying for healthcare is an unavoidable and inevitable future for most Americans. Not to mention, careless behavior towards insurance planning and healthcare will result in financial disasters. Therefore, older adults and seniors must resort to smart money-saving options in regards to healthcare costs. Think Ahead Most people who get into financial wreckage due to healthcare are usually ...

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" COVID-19 has shifted the attention of the general public more towards the healthcare field than normal. Before, people would simply go to the doctor or ER when they needed treatment, but now many are wondering if it’s safe. While nothing is 100% safe during the pandemic, urgent care centers are a great option for your healthcare needs! Are Urgent Care Centers Safe During COVID-19? Urgent care centers are filled with staff who are trained ...

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