Recent Blog Posts

What causes burning in my lungs? Encountering a burning sensation in your lungs can be alarming, especially when paired with breathing difficulties or a lingering cough. While intense workouts in chilly weather are a common trigger, it’s vital to consider underlying issues such as bronchitis. Could It Be Bronchitis? Bronchitis, a widespread respiratory infection, presents with distinct symptoms that require timely recognition for intervention. While a persistent dry cough is a hallmark, the presence ...

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How Long Do Kidney Stones Last? Kidney stones are a prevalent and often painful condition that impacts nearly one in 10 Americans each year. While the experience can be challenging, knowledge about kidney stones, their symptoms, and potential treatment options is crucial. What are Kidney Stones? Kidney stones, also called renal calculi, are solid formations that start in the kidneys. They form when certain waste products struggle to dissolve properly in urine, leading to the ...

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Telehealth is a broad term for tech-enabled healthcare services, while telemedicine specifically refers to remote medical services via video or other technology. Telehealth aims to improve healthcare access by meeting people where they are, while telemedicine focuses on remote diagnosis and treatment. Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in healthcare, offering convenience, cost-effectiveness, and improved access for vulnerable populations.

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Food poisoning symptoms range from mild to severe. While rest and hydration often help, urgent care is needed for persistent vomiting/diarrhea, severe pain, high fever, dehydration, or if you're in a high-risk group. Ignoring symptoms can lead to complications.

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How do humidifiers help prevent the flu? Hixson and its surrounding area offer a range of attractions and activities to explore. From the scenic beauty of Greenway Farms to the vibrant shopping scene at Northgate Mall, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy a delightful meal at local gems like Mike’s Tavern, adding a flavorful touch to your experience. Amidst these adventures, it’s crucial to stay mindful of how weather conditions might influence your ...

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Urgent care centers offer fast, convenient medical care for non-emergency illnesses and injuries. They are open extended hours and provide a cost-effective alternative to the ER. They also bridge the gap between primary and specialty care, streamlining referrals and follow-up treatments.

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‘Tis the season for all of the fun seasonal gatherings, holiday traditions and delicious food! The holidays are here, and we are so excited about it. While we are all busy planning for the upcoming parties and other seasonal events, getting sick in the thick of it all is always a possibility. A single infection at this time of year could spread throughout your entire family and make everyone really sick, causing you to miss ...

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Is getting strep without tonsils possible? Yes. Strep throat is caused by bacteria that can live in the nose and mouth, spread through saliva or contact with contaminated surfaces. Strep throat symptoms include sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, red/swollen tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes. Tonsillitis and strep throat are different. Strep throat is caused by bacteria, while tonsillitis can be caused by bacteria or a virus. If you think you have tonsillitis or strep throat, visit an urgent care center for diagnosis and treatment.

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Bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, can sometimes develop into pneumonia if left untreated. This is more likely in individuals with weakened immune systems. Pneumonia is a lung infection with symptoms such as cough, chest pain, chills, and fever. Both conditions require medical attention, but treatments differ depending on the cause and severity.

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How can I boost my Vitamin D intake and Manage my Seasonal Affective Disorder? The holidays bring a lot of travelers through Hixson and the nearby area this time of year, whether to visit family or to venture out to the nearby Greenway Farms. It’s a busy time for everyone finishing up holiday shopping at shops like Northgate Mall or grabbing a bite to eat at local favorites like Mikes Tavern. No matter what ...

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What Are the Degrees of Burns? A Guide to Identifying Burns So, what are the degrees of burns? If you’ve been wondering how to identify burns, we’ve got the answers for you. Burns are a common injury that can occur from various sources, including hot liquids, fire, chemicals, and sun exposure. Depending on the severity of the burn, it can range from a minor inconvenience to a life-threatening emergency. Therefore, it is crucial ...

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RSV can seem like a scary virus, and sometimes it is! RSV can infect anyone at any time, but the fall and winter months tend to experience higher caseloads because everyone is inside and spending more time closer together. Most adults will only experience mild symptoms when infected with RSV, but children and infants can have a much harder time overcoming the illness. Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Hixson team explains more about ...

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It can seem like a constant battle to keep your kids healthy at this time of year. RSV, COVID-19, strep throat and the flu are all circulating right now, and your children will come into contact with them at some point at school, on the bus or while out and about. While avoiding illness entirely is not possible, taking preventive steps now can help them stay healthier throughout the season. Getting your annual flu shot ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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Getting sick is always inconvenient no matter what you come down with. A scratchy throat, lingering cough and a fever can make it really hard to get anything done! Feeling better is everyone’s top priority in these situations, but it can be hard to find the right treatment if you don’t know what you have. Since many illnesses cause similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell what illness you have on your ...

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What a crazy few years we have had as a community! We dealt with a worldwide pandemic and a mysterious illness for years as our talented medical community dedicated their lives to protecting us and keeping us healthy. We are grateful that the emergency status for COVID-19 has expired, but we also know that COVID-19 still remains in our community and has the ability to make people very sick. We don’t want you to ...

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Back-to-school sports physicals are vital for student athletes. They ensure health and meet requirements. Urgent care clinics offer quick, comprehensive exams with convenience and confidentiality. AFC provides affordable physicals, prioritizing your child's well-being.

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Each passing year is a blessing in its own way. You get to meet new people, have more life experiences and spend more time with your loved ones. There are, however, some risks that increase when you age. One of those risks is at-home falls. Tripping or slipping when you are younger was typically not a big deal. You would hit the ground but probably be able to pop back up with nothing more than ...

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Your lungs have the important job of breathing in oxygen and transporting that fresh air throughout your entire body. Each inhale is important to your health and well-being! If you inhale something other than oxygen into your lungs, it can have a directly negative impact on your organs and your overall health. Tobacco smoke is a compound that is incredibly irritating to your body and will increase your risk of certain diseases and physical changes ...

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