Recent Blog Posts

Lingering Cough After Cold: How to Get Rid of Your Residual Symptoms

A lingering cough after a cold can be irritating and exhausting. Use these tips to get rid of your residual cough. Table of Contents What Causes a Lingering Cough How to Get Rid of a Chronic Cough Medications to Try When to See a Provider Visit Your Local AFC What Causes a Lingering Cough One of the most common causes of a chronic cough is a postnasal drip caused by allergies or a cold. Plus ...

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When to Get a Flu Shot

As winter settles over Knoxville, many locals find themselves savoring the cozy ambiance of warm drinks at beloved spots like Honeybee Coffee Co. before venturing out to enjoy seasonal festivities. Amid the excitement, it’s important to prioritize your health by protecting yourself and your loved ones from seasonal illnesses, including the flu. One of the best ways to do this is by getting your annual flu shot. But when is the best time to ...

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The Relationship Between Technology and Sleep

Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, including our bedtime routines. Many people use electronic devices right before bed, whether scrolling through social media, watching TV, or responding to emails, leading to much research into the relationship between technology and sleep. Join us as we explore how technology affects sleep, debunk common myths, and offer practical tips for creating a more restful, tech-free sleep environment. Table of Contents How Technology and Sleep ...

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Is Food Poisoning Serious?

Food poisoning is an uncomfortable and often unpredictable condition that can affect anyone. Whether it’s after a family picnic, dining out at Stock & Barrel, or preparing a homemade meal, food poisoning can strike at any time. While most cases are mild and resolve on their own, there are instances where it can become severe and even life-threatening. In this article, we’ll explore what food poisoning is, its symptoms, causes, severity, treatment options, and ...

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How Long Does Vertigo Last?

Vertigo is common yet unsettling - for some, vertigo is a mild inconvenience, while it can significantly disrupt daily life for others. But how long does vertigo last? Whether you're experiencing brief episodes or ongoing bouts, the duration of vertigo largely depends on the underlying cause and the type of vertigo you have. Table of Contents What Is Vertigo? How Long Does Vertigo Last? Can Stress Cause Vertigo? How to Prevent Vertigo Visit AFC ${city ...

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Why Cold Weather May Cause Body Aches and Joint Pain

As the temperature drops and winter settles in, many people struggle with increased body aches and joint pain. It's a common experience to feel more discomfort during the colder months, and while it may seem like a simple coincidence, there's more to this phenomenon than meets the eye. Table of Contents Why Do My Joints Hurt When It's Cold? Strategies to Manage Body Aches and Joint Pain in Winter Concerned About Your ...

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Hot Tub Rash: What Is It & How to Treat It

If you’ve recently enjoyed some time in a hot tub and now find yourself dealing with an itchy, bothersome rash, you might be experiencing what’s commonly referred to as hot tub rash, also known as hot tub folliculitis. A hot tub rash — with itchy, bumpy, red skin — is an infection from common bacteria in hot tubs and swimming pools. Learn how to treat it. Pre-Register Table of Contents What Is It? Signs and ...

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Strep Throat & Pregnancy: How to Soothe a Sore Throat When You're Expecting

Getting strep throat during pregnancy doesn’t have to be scary. Here’s what to know about treating your symptoms. Pre-Register Table of Contents How Do I Know If I Have Strep Throat? Risks of Getting Strep Throat While Pregnant Strep Throat Treatment Preventing Strep Throat During Pregnancy Visit AFC for Answers How Do I Know If I Have Strep Throat? A bacterial infection causes strep throat and typically comes with a sudden onset of ...

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Is Barking Cough in Kids Serious?

As the temperatures drop and families in Knoxville embrace the colder weather, it’s the perfect time to enjoy seasonal activities or cozy up indoors. But as much as we love this time of year, it’s also when we see an increase in seasonal illnesses. One common concern parents might notice is their child developing a “barking cough.” While the distinctive sound of a bark-like cough may seem alarming, it’s important to understand ...

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RICE Method: What It Is & When to Use It

If you’ve twisted your ankle or sprained your wrist, you may have been told to follow the RICE method. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation, and it can help soothe injured joints and tissues. Pre-Register What Is RICE? RICE is a self-care technique that can relieve pain, reduce swelling, and speed up the recovery process for minor musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains, strains, and bruises. Medical providers often use it as part ...

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Can Exercise Improve Your Mood?

Can exercise improve your mood? Regular aerobic activities like jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, and even dancing have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Understanding how exercise impacts both your body and mind can empower you to use physical activity as a tool for better mental well-being. Exercise Can Improve Your Mood When you exercise, your body does more than just burn calories—it also enhances brain function. One key way exercise boosts ...

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How to Identify Walking Pneumonia

With winter illness season approaching, it’s important to stay informed about respiratory infections like walking pneumonia. While East Tennessee’s colder months are perfect for enjoying local attractions, staying healthy should remain a priority. Understanding walking pneumonia, recognizing its symptoms, and knowing when to seek medical care can help you recover faster and avoid spreading the illness to others. In this blog, we’ll explore what walking pneumonia is, how it differs from regular ...

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Ringing in Ears and Dizziness: What to Do

If you’re feeling a ringing in your ears and dizziness, the causes could range from dehydration to vertigo to Meniere’s disease. Learn more. Pre-Register What Is Tinnitus? A ringing, buzzing, or hissing noise in the ears when no outside sounds are happening is called tinnitus. It’s often a symptom of various conditions but can occur due to exposure to loud noise, earwax accumulation, or age-related hearing loss. American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and ...

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How Soon Can Symptoms Appear After COVID-19 Exposure?

Fall in Knoxville brings exciting activities, from pumpkin patches to outdoor festivals, and while enjoying these seasonal events, it’s crucial to stay mindful of health risks like COVID-19. Understanding how quickly symptoms can appear after exposure to the virus can help you protect yourself and those around you. Here, we’ll cover the basics of COVID-19, how long it takes for symptoms to emerge, and when to seek medical care. Visit AFC Knoxville today ...

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Pain Under My Right Breast: What's Causing It?

Experiencing pain under your right breast? Luckily, the Mayo Clinic says this pain is rarely a concern for breast cancer, nor is it closely associated with heart attacks because your heart is mainly on the left side of your chest. Everyone, not just women, can suffer from sharp pain under their right breast. It can be recurrent or pop up and a sign of multiple different concerns, ranging from mild to serious. Learn more about ...

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When to Seek Medical Care for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that typically affects young children, although it can spread to older children and adults as well. As a highly contagious condition, HFMD often causes concern for parents, especially when it appears to affect a child’s comfort and well-being. While most cases of HFMD resolve on their own within a week to 10 days, there are times when medical care is necessary. In this ...

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Differences Between a Cold, the Flu, and COVID-19

The weather is getting cooler in Knoxville, meaning respiratory illnesses are becoming more common. It’s easy to confuse a common cold, the flu, or COVID-19 when you’re feeling under the weather. Each illness shares many symptoms, but understanding their differences can help you get the right care and recovery plan. With overlapping signs like coughing, sneezing, and body aches, determining whether you’re suffering from a cold, influenza, or COVID-19 is crucial, especially ...

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Is Psoriasis Itching? Learn About Psoriasis Flare-Ups

Is psoriasis itching? Read on to learn more about this skin disease. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition caused by an overactive immune system, which leads to the rapid buildup of skin cells. While itching is one of the most common symptoms of psoriasis, it’s far from the only challenge those with the condition face. Flare-ups, where symptoms worsen significantly, can be triggered by a variety of factors, making it crucial to understand what ...

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What Does a Broken Ankle Look Like? Or Is it a Sprain?

What does a broken ankle look like? Ankle injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal issues, affecting individuals of all ages and activity levels. Whether you take a simple misstep while walking or participating in a more vigorous activity like sports, a twist or fall can lead to a painful ankle injury. However, distinguishing between a sprain and a fracture is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. Understanding the Ankle Structure The ankle is a ...

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Could My Cold Turn into the Flu?

No worries! While it might feel like you’re jumping from one illness to another, and you just desperately want to get outside to West Hills and Bynon Park have a picnic this beautiful fall. Colds and the flu are caused by different viruses, meaning you can’t catch the flu from a cold. That’s why our team at AFC Urgent Care Knoxville is here to share some important facts about the flu.  Do ...

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Recent Blogs

Heat Exhaustion Vs. Heatstroke: The Signs and Symptoms

Summer in Knoxville brings bright days, busy parks, and plenty of time outdoors but it also brings intense heat and humidity. Whether ...

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When Should I Seek Medical Attention for a Poison Ivy Rash?

Whether you’re exploring the trails around Fort Dickerson, letting the kids burn off energy at Lakeshore Park, or enjoying a quiet ...

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Are My Allergy Symptoms Actually COVID-19?

If you’re dealing with congestion, a runny nose, or nonstop sneezing in Knoxville, it’s easy to assume seasonal allergies are ...

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