Recent Blog Posts

Is Going to Urgent Care Like Going to the Emergency Room?

Is an Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic Like Going to the ER? If you find yourself with an emergency medical condition that needs to be dealt with, it can often become an overwhelming situation. Thoughts of long waits, expensive treatments, and procedures at a hospital emergency room (ER) may cross your mind. However, the ER isn't always your only option - have you ever considered visiting an urgent care walk-in clinic? Urgent care clinics like AFC ...

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Can I Stay Healthy Throughout the Holiday Season?

We love the holiday season in the Charlotte area, and we are sure you do as well. The delicious food, holiday traditions, cozy evenings by the fire and flowing drinks can make this a wonderful time of year for everyone. However, all of these joyous celebrations can be hard on your body. Running around trying to find the perfect present or staying up late trying to reconfigure that elf into yet another creative situation can ...

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Can You Get Strep Without Tonsils?

Getting Strep Without Tonsils? Is It Possible? AFC Charlotte NC Has Answers for You Is getting strep without tonsils possible? The short answer is yes. Strep throat is caused by a particular strain of bacteria, group A Streptococcus. These bacteria can live in the nose and mouth.  The bacteria are spread through an infected person's saliva or mucus and contact with contaminated surfaces and objects. A person without tonsils can contract the infection if ...

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Here Are the Facts: Can Bronchitis Turn Into Pneumonia?

Can Bronchitis Turn Into Pneumonia?  Can bronchitis turn into pneumonia? In some cases, this happens when the inflammation of the bronchial tubes persists for some time and is not treated properly, leading to a bacterial or viral infection that can cause pneumonia.  When bronchitis becomes severe, the tiny hair-like structures (cilia) that line the bronchi can become damaged, making it difficult for mucus to clear from the lungs. This trapped mucus creates a breeding ground ...

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What Are the Degrees of Burns? A Guide to Identifying Burns

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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What Does RSV Feel Like?

The answer to that question varies greatly. RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, can be a minor illness that causes a small cough and a fever, or it can progress all the way to a medical emergency in the form of respiratory distress. Severe RSV disproportionately affects young children and older adults, which is why it is important to keep a close eye on your loved ones when they are sick. Our AFC Urgent Care Monroe ...

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Will the Flu Shot Help Keep Me Healthy This Season?

Believe it or not, we are already heading into the cold and flu season for 2023 and 2024. It seems like only yesterday we were talking about influenza and the flu vaccine! We are already starting to see a rise in cases across the country. Because of that, it is time to start talking about the flu vaccine! Getting your flu vaccine early in the season offers you the most comprehensive protection all year. Stop ...

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Urgent Care Experts Offer Alternatives to Phenylephrine

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

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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Does COVID-19 Cause a Sore Throat?

The cold and flu season is upon us once more, and we are gearing up for another season mixed with the flu, COVID-19 and other common illnesses like strep throat. Feeling sick is never fun, so finding the most accurate treatment for your illness is crucial to feeling better faster! Unfortunately, many of the common illnesses share symptoms so it can be hard to tell on your own. That’s where AFC Urgent Care Monroe ...

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Have the Symptoms for COVID-19 Changed?

The seasons are changing, and there is a lot to look forward to about this time of year. Football, holidays and time spent with friends and family can all make this season one to remember. One part of the fall and winter that isn’t so pleasant is the rise in illnesses. Colds, the flu and strep throat are more common during the colder months, and we also expect a rise in COVID-19 cases like ...

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When Is a Fever a Serious Situation?

Back-to-school season is in full swing once more, and we hope you are finding the right balance in the chaos of homework, sports, activities and your own work. We also hope that you have avoided the first round of illnesses that have swept through the school already. We all know that this time of year is common for kids to get sick from viruses, stomach bugs or other infections. One of the most common symptoms ...

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Sports Physicals: Getting Ready to Go Back to School

Sports Physicals: Getting Ready to Go Back to School Before hitting the field, court, or track, there's a crucial checkpoint that ensures the well-being of our student-athletes: sports physicals.  These check-ups are a proactive approach to safeguarding the health and performance of young athletes. They not only fulfill school and sports league requirements but also serve as a comprehensive assessment to detect and prevent potential health issues. Pre-Register The Importance of Sports Physicals Physicals ...

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Can I Get a Blood Test at AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road?

Everyone has been sick at least once in their lives, and it can be a really frustrating experience when you wake up feeling less than your best. While many illnesses have telltale symptoms and you can receive a diagnosis quickly after a physical exam, others may take a bit more investigative work to diagnose. That’s where our amazing team and our resources come into play! We have a variety of diagnostic tools at our ...

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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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What Are Some Ways to Quit Smoking?

We are so glad you asked. Even just thinking about quitting is a step in the right direction. Addictive habits can be really hard to break, especially if yours has been a part of your life for years or even decades. However, it is possible if you stick your mind to it and focus your efforts on getting healthier. Smoking is bad for your health in every way, and it impacts your body daily. In ...

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Can Undiagnosed STDs Be Dangerous?

Just like any other illness, contracting an STD is frustrating and can make you feel pretty uncomfortable or sick for a while. While many other illnesses like colds and the flu will eventually fade away, STDs can linger and cause serious health concerns for you now and later in life. If you are concerned that you have an STD, getting tested right away gives you the best chance of avoiding a severe infection. Did you ...

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Does AFC Offer X-Ray Services?

Our team is the best in the area when it comes to diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses. We start with a full visual examination, and we can run blood tests and rapid tests to figure out what is wrong or what is causing you pain. In addition to these tests, we can take an X-ray of the area of concern using our state-of-the-art digital X-ray technology. Digital X-rays can help us diagnose fractures and ...

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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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How Can I Support My Brain Health?

Taking care of your body and mind takes work, but it might just be the most important work that you ever do. Taking care of yourself throughout your life can help reduce your risk of certain diseases and can help you live a fuller, longer life. This includes focusing on every aspect of your body, including your brain! You rely on your brain to help you accomplish virtually everything, so taking care of it should ...

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Recent Blogs

What Are Common Concussion Symptoms? Signs & When to Seek Care

Head injuries can happen when you least expect them; during sports, daily activities like walking your dog at McAlpine Creek Park, or ...

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When to Visit Urgent Care for Seasonal Allergies or Sinus Infection Symptoms

Spring brings warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, and the perfect excuse to spend more time outside. Whether you’re working in the yard ...

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Measles: What You Need to Know: Symptoms, Risks, & Outbreaks

Whether you’re trying to enjoy a rare warm winter’s day with your kids on a neighborhood playground like Independence Park ...

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