How can I avoid a trip to urgent care this summer? Learn why others visit our clinic & ways to stay healthy in Fountain City. 

There’s nothing quite like summer in Fountain City. Between relaxing weekends floating at Holston River Park, pool days with the family at Inskip Pool, and trips up to Norris Lake, East Tennesseans know how to make the most of the season. But as the temperatures rise, so do visits to urgent care. At AFC Fountain City, we see a handful of summer-related health issues again and again. 

Here are five of the most common reasons people in our community visit, and how to help prevent you from being one of them.  

Visit AFC Fountain City today.  

1. Heat Rash and Sunburn

Whether you’re cheering at a little league game or walking your dog around the neighborhood, the Knoxville heat and humidity can take a toll on your skin. 

Heat Rash: 

Caused by a blockage of sweat ducts that traps moisture under the skin. It’s more common in children, but anyone can get it in hot, sticky conditions; however, it generally resolves within a few days. 

Signs of heat rash: 

• Small tiny bubbles, red dots, or blisters on the skin 
• Appears in places such as the neck, chest, back, head, and armpits 

Prevent heat rash by: 

• Wearing loose-fitting cotton clothes 
• Keeping skin cool and dry (we recommend using cool towels when sweating) 

When to see AFC Fountain City: 

• If the rash becomes swollen, painful, or emits pus 

Sunburn: 

Occurs when your body has had too much UV radiation. The DNA in your skin is damaged, so your immune system sends the body red flags (literally). Sunburn is particularly dangerous because each burn increases the chance of melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.  

Signs of a sunburn: 

• Red, tender, and swollen skin 

Protect yourself by: 

• Wearing broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen 
• Wearing wide-brimmed hats and UV blocking sunglasses 
• Scheduling activities around peak sun hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) 

When to see AFC Fountain City: 

• If your sunburn is blistering, severely painful, or affecting large areas of your body 

2. Food Poisoning and Gastroenteritis

Backyard BBQs and summer cookouts are a big part of summer life, but they also increase the risk of foodborne illness. Food poisoning can develop after ingesting food that is bacteria ridden. Whether it’s undercooked meat, food that’s been sitting in the sun too long, or even a quick bite at a food truck, summertime is a hot spot for bacteria.  

Symptoms: 

• Nausea and vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Abdominal pain 
• Fever and dizziness 

How to prevent it: 

• Wash hands and cooking utensils often 
• When outside, keep cold foods chilled in a portable fridge or cooler 
• Be cautious around street food 
• Pitch any food that’s been sitting too long in the sun 

When to see an AFC provider: 

• If symptoms are severe and persistent, mild cases usually clear up in a day or two 

3. Swimmer’s Ear

The easiest way to beat the heat? Head to the pool or lake. But that fun can sometimes lead to swimmer’s ear, an infection caused by water trapped in the ear canal.  

Symptoms include: 

• Ear pain and itching 
• Fluid drainage 
• Muffled or decreased hearing 
• In severe cases, fever 

How to prevent it: 

• Thoroughly dry ears after swimming or bathing 
• Don’t swim in areas with posted warnings about high bacteria counts 
• Don’t scratch or dig your ear, this could cause a break in the skin where bacteria can enter 

When to stop by AFC: 

• Swimmer’s ear rarely clears up on its own and usually requires prescription ear drops 

4. Sports Injuries

Summertime means more physical activity like biking at Sharp’s Ridge or playing pickleball at the local park, but this also means more opportunities for injuries.  

We frequently treat: 

• Sprains 
• Strains 
• Broken bones and fractures 
• Cuts, burns, and bruises 

Protect yourself: 

• Wear appropriate protective gear (helmets, kneepads, etc.) 
• Prioritize warm-ups and cool-downs to prevent muscle injuries 

Even if an injury seems minor, getting it checked early can prevent long-term issues. AFC Fountain City offers walk-in care and digital X-rays to help you recover quickly and safely. 

5. Insect Bites and Allergic Reactions

Insect bites, stings, and exposure to poisonous plants are all painfully part of summer in Knoxville. 

Mosquito and insect bites can cause: 

• Itchy rashes and hives 
• Swollen and irritated skin 

Tick bites, specifically cause: 

• Fever 
• Chills 
• Muscle aches and fatigue 

Poison ivy and oak: 

• Intense itchy and irritated skin 
• Blistering rashes 

Protect yourself by: 

• Using insect repellent 
• Wearing lightweight long sleeves and pants when hiking 
• Learning to recognize toxic plants 

Visit AFC Fountain City if: 

• Symptoms worsen, don’t go away, or involve difficulty breathing, dizziness, or infection 

Wrapping it Up 

At AFC Fountain City, we’re here seven days a week with extended hours, no appointment needed. Whether it’s a tick bite, a softball accident, or a persistent stomach bug, our team offers fast, friendly care right here in your neighborhood. 

So go enjoy your summer in Fountain City! We’ll be here if you need us.