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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 Methuen 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 ...
So, what is mono, and what are the symptoms? American Family Care in Methuen 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Local urgent care centers in Methuen, 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 ...
What is an urgent care clinic? And how does it differ from the emergency room? When should you go to the emergency room, and when should you go to an urgent care center? Whatever questions you may have, AFC has the answers. What Is An Urgent Care Clinic? Urgent care is the level of healthcare that lies between your primary care physician (PCP) and the emergency room. When you go to urgent care, you can ...
COVID became popular in 2019, hence the name COVID-19. This infection is highly contagious and dangerous. Therefore, it is essential to eradicate this virus as soon as possible. An early attempt to stop the spread of the disease is to narrow down its symptoms. The public will be safer if everyone can identify the symptoms, quarantine, and seek medical help. AFC Urgent Care Methuen provides COVID-19 testing to patients through appointments. If you are suffering ...
Asthma is a severe long-term respiratory disease. Variations in weather due to fluctuations in air pressure can trigger attacks in asthmatic patients. Perhaps this is why the winter season and asthma are no friends. Winter produces cold air, which irritates the bronchial tubes and worsens asthma symptoms. At this stage, asthmatic patients may experience trouble breathing if the cold air enters their airways. Trouble breathing arises when airway inflammation arises from cold, dry air getting ...
Microorganisms are present everywhere, whether on surfaces, in the soil, or in our foods. Some of these bacteria and parasites can affect our health. In cases where a person consumes contaminated food, it will most likely lead to food poisoning or foodborne illness. AFC Urgent Care Methuen is able to treat all patients for urgent medical conditions. If you are experiencing symptoms of dehydration, it's best to receive emergency medical care from the emergency ...
In winter, we have a predominance of viral diseases, especially those that attack the airways. Colds, flu, bronchitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis are more common during this period. The colder temperatures and the dry climate cause a concentration of particles that allow these viruses to reproduce. Children are the most affected, especially those with a history of allergic respiratory diseases (such as bronchitis and rhinitis). AFC Urgent Care Methuen is equipped to treat a variety of illnesses ...
" Camp physicals are typically required for all children at summer camps throughout the state. If your child is planning on attending a camp, it can be assumed they’ll need a physical. At AFC Urgent Care Methuen, we provide sport & camp physicals to all children on a walk-in basis. Our providers are trained to give your child the best care possible. Visit our center today to get your child started on their summer activities. Why ...
When someone is out in the sun, the melanin in their skin acts as a UV protectant. This then causes a higher production of melanin, resulting in a tan. Without the added protection of sunscreen, the body will instead burn, causing a sunburn. Mild sunburns are extremely common, but in some cases, they can become severe. If you are suffering from a severe sunburn this summer, visit AFC Urgent Care Methuen. Our providers can recommend ...
Living with allergies or asthma is an unpleasant reality for a large number of people. Unfortunately, asthma and allergies tend to go hand in hand. Understanding how they’re related and what the key differences are will make identifying and treating your symptoms more manageable. The providers at AFC Urgent Care Methuen can provide information and health recommendations for those who have asthma. Seasonal allergy treatment is also offered for those who may need it ...
The United States Immigration medical exam is a mandatory test required of every applicant intending to migrate to the U.S. The purpose is to prevent the emigration of persons with health conditions of public health concerns, which tend to put the migrant and other host country members at risk. Such conditions include persons with an infectious disease of public health significance, physical or mental disorder associated with harmful behavior, and persons who fail to ...
