Recent Blog Posts

Pain in the Lower Left Side of the Abdomen for Females: What Is it?

Pain in the lower left side of the abdomen in females can indicate unique problems related to women’s health. Learn more about what can cause pain and when to seek medical attention. Where is the pain coming from? There are many organs on the left side of the abdomen. When experiencing lower left side pain, it could be coming from one of these organs, according to the Cleveland Clinic: Small intestine Colon Appendix Ovaries ...

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Can the Flu Shot Make You Sick? Why the Stick Can Make You Feel Ick

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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Can You Get an STD Without Having Sex?

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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Back-To-School 2023 Health Checklist

As the summer break comes to a close and our community begins to prepare for the upcoming school year, the to-do list grows longer with new responsibilities. Amidst the back-to-school shopping for supplies and new clothes, don’t forget about the most important part of your child’s preparation: their health! To ensure a successful and healthy start to the 2023 school year, this blog will help guide you by providing a comprehensive back-to-school health ...

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Is Mono Contagious Through Air?

Mononucleosis, or mono, is an infectious disease that often raises many questions– from the symptoms and causes to the various modes of transmission. One of the concerns people typically have is whether mono can spread through the air. In this blog post, we’ll explain how mono is caused, outline the symptoms, and explore whether airborne transmission is a significant concern. For same-day strep mono testing and symptom relief, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC ...

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What Happens During a School Physical?

School physicals are an essential aspect of every child’s well-being. These exams play a crucial role in ensuring students are in good health before the academic year. Whether you’re a parent preparing your child for their upcoming school physical, or a student curious about what to expect, continue reading. This blog will explain the typical process of a school physical and highlight its significance for the community. For same-day physical exams, visit the ...

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Does Strep Throat Cause a Fever?

When it comes to common illnesses that can affect us, strep throat is one of the most common. The bacterial infection of the throat, caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria, is known for the range of painful and irritating symptoms. One of the primary indications of strep is a sore throat, but many people may also wonder if it also causes a fever. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms and treatments of ...

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Hand Foot and Mouth Disease: What It Looks Like for Adults & Kids

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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Can a Sudden Change in Weather Cause Allergies?

As the seasons transition and weather conditions fluctuate, many people may find themselves experiencing unexpected allergy symptoms. Seasonal allergies are a common condition that over a quarter of the population struggle with. There’s often a fair amount of speculation over what causes allergies to develop, and whether or not sudden weather changes can trigger or exacerbate symptoms. In this blog post, we’ll explore the relationship between weather changes and allergy symptoms so you ...

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How Long Does Altitude Sickness Last?

Altitude sickness, sometimes referred to as acute mountain sickness, is a common condition that affects those who ascend to high altitudes too quickly. Altitude sickness typically occurs when individuals travel to elevations over 8,000 feet– when the body doesn’t properly adjust to the decreased oxygen levels. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes and symptoms of altitude sickness, how long symptoms last, and what factors can influence the recovery timeline. For same-day ...

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Urgent Care for Broken Bones & Fractures: What Urgent Care Treats

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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What is the Fastest Way to Cure Swimmer’s Ear

If you've ever experienced swimmer’s ear, you know that it's not a fun experience. Fortunately, there are several ways to cure swimmer's ear quickly. This blog will outline some of the fastest ways to treat the condition and how to prevent it from happening in the first place. AFC Urgent Care Lakewood provides same-day treatment for a wide range of conditions, including swimmer’s ear. Our team of board-certified providers can ...

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Can You Get Lyme Disease Twice?

Lyme disease is a very common illness, with more than 200,000 cases reported each year in the U.S. The bacterial infection is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick and can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. If you’ve ever had Lyme disease, you may be wondering whether or not you’re at risk for reinfection. This blog will provide the answer to that question and explore ways to relieve your ...

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Here’s What Happens During a Physical for Sports Exam

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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How Long Do Swollen Tonsils Last?

Swollen tonsils are a common symptom of several ailments, often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Tonsillitis and strep throat are two primary causes of swollen tonsils, paired with symptoms like difficulty swallowing and fever. If you’re experiencing swollen tonsils, you may be wondering: how long will this last? In this blog, we’ll explore the answer to that question, as well as some tips for relieving symptoms and preventing them from recurring ...

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How To Know if You Have a Sinus Infection or Just Allergies

Sinus infections and allergies can often share similar symptoms, which makes it difficult to determine which condition you may be dealing with. While both conditions affect the nasal passages, they have different causes and require different treatments. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the differences between sinus infections and allergies and provide some tips on getting the proper care. For same-day general illness treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Lakewood. Our ...

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Is My Lower Back and Leg Pain from COVID? AFC Answers

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 Lakewood 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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What Is Mono and What Are the Symptoms?

So, what is mono, and what are the symptoms? American Family Care in Lakewood 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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Telehealth Urgent Care | Technology in the Healthcare Industry

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 Allergies Acting Up? Tips for Relief

The turn of the season is a busy and exciting time for families. Generally regarded as the first month of spring, March creates plenty of opportunity to get outside and have fun. Unfortunately, spring also brings seasonal allergy symptoms for many people. Seasonal allergies can be a nuisance and leave you feeling unwell for weeks. However, there are ways to avoid triggering allergies and treatment options available to help relieve your symptoms! For same-day seasonal ...

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