Recent Blog Posts

Surgery is a significant medical procedure that can often involve a level of preparation. Whether you’re getting ready for a routine operation or a complex procedure, undergoing surgery is inevitably a bit stressful. You may be wondering if a physical exam before surgery is a necessary task. The short answer is yes, and in this blog we’ll explore the reasons why a preoperative physical examination is crucial for ensuring a safe and successful ...

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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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In every workplace, the health and safety of employees should be a top priority. One of the most common risks posed to certain employees is musculoskeletal injuries. This type of injury can affect the muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It’s important for businesses to prioritize the prevention of these injuries and to provide effective treatment options when accidents do occur. In this blog post, we’ll explore some work safety tips and explain where ...

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Ear infections are a common ailment that can affect individuals of all ages, although most common in young children. They can cause significant discomfort and present a range of symptoms that often beg the question… How long will this ear infection last? In this blog, we’ll outline the causes and symptoms of ear infections to explain the different factors that can influence their duration. For same-day ear infection treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at ...

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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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Lyme disease is a relevant health concern for many individuals, especially those who live in tick-populated regions. While Lyme disease can be a potentially serious health issue, many people wonder how the disease spreads and whether or not it’s contagious. This blog post will answer frequently asked questions about tick bites and Lyme disease, and explain when it might be necessary to seek medical care for symptoms. For same-day tick bite and Lyme treatment ...

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As the temperatures begin to rise with each passing day, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with too much heat exposure. Heat exhaustion is a condition that occurs when the body overheats. At AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth, we encourage all patients to be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion so you can get the treatment you need, when you need it. For same-day urgent care service, visit the walk-in clinic ...

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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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Poison ivy causes an allergic reaction in many people who come in close contact with the plant. It’s found throughout the United States and can be difficult to identify as it grows in various forms– not just the three, red leaves we have been warned to avoid. When a poison ivy rash occurs, the symptoms can be uncomfortable and irritating. So what’s the fastest way to cure the rash? This blog will explore ...

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Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, are a common condition that can cause a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms. While the symptoms of sinusitis typically include nasal congestion and facial pain, some people may experience some impact to their hearing. So, can sinus infections really cause hearing loss? This blog will explore the answer to that question and explain how to recognize sinus infections and when to seek treatment. For same-day sinus infection treatment, visit ...

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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 Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth 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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Spring is right around the corner, meaning seasonal allergies may start to peak for many of us. While seasonal allergies can happen at any point of the year, most people experience symptoms during the spring when exposure to pollen is high. It’s important to be aware of your risk to allergy triggers and seek medical care when necessary. This blog will provide answers to frequently asked questions about spring allergies, like how to avoid ...

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Urinary tract infections, typically referred to as UTIs, are a common condition that can affect people of all ages and genders. If left untreated, UTIs can cause painful and uncomfortable symptoms. Fortunately, there are treatments effective at clearing the infection quickly. This blog will explore the causes and symptoms of UTIs, how long the infection generally lasts, and what methods of treatment are available. For convenient urinary tract infection treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at ...

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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 Elizabeth, 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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A sprained ankle is a very common injury that affects many athletes. Sprained ankles occur when the ligaments that support an ankle are torn or stretched, resulting in a moderate amount of pain and swelling. While this injury happens frequently in sports, it's possible to sprain your ankle during any sudden fall, twist, or impact in everyday activities. This blog will explore the recovery time of a sprained ankle and outline how soon athletes ...

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Coughing is a common symptom of many respiratory infections and various conditions, including bronchitis and pneumonia. Oftentimes, coughs can linger after the initial illness has subsided. It’s important to be aware of the various underlying health conditions that cause a persistent cough in order to know when medical care is necessary.  For same-day cough treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth. One of our board-certified medical providers can diagnose your condition ...

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