Recent Blog Posts

Lingering Respiratory Infection? When You Should Seek Medical Care

We’ve all felt it coming on, the scratchy throat, stuffy nose, congestion, and fatigue associated with a respiratory infection. You could be out enjoying a beautiful winter’s day at Haw Ridge Park or Cedar Hill Park but later feel more exhausted and run down than normal. Often, these are the first symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, also known as a URI. Respiratory infections are common, especially during colder months or seasonal changes ...

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Do You Need Urgent Care for a Lingering Cold?

Winter in Oak Ridge is the season of sniffles, sore throats, and lingering coughs, whether you’re catching up with friends at Calhoun’s or competing in a lively game of bowling at Oak Ridge Bowling Center with family, no one has time for a cold that just won’t go away. While most colds clear up within a week or two, symptoms that just won’t resolve can be frustrating and concerning. Is it ...

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When Indigestion Isn’t Just Indigestion: Understanding Pancreatitis

Overeating during the holidays, especially if you are indulging in a great meal at 201 Cafe and Wine Bar, is common, but having nagging digestive upset and pain afterwards is not. How do you know if your symptoms are normal or if you need to seek medical care and treatment? This blog will help you understand the differences between indigestion and pancreatitis, what the symptoms for each are, and when to seek an AFC urgent ...

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Flu Season Preparedness: Recognizing Symptoms, Preventing Spread, and When to Visit Urgent Care.

Every flu season is different, and this year’s is already shaping up to be an active one. Whether out shopping at Jackson Square or on Main Street or going to eat with family and friends at the area’s best restaurants, catching the flu is an unfortunate possibility. If you’ve started feeling run-down or you’re trying to stay ahead of the virus, AFC Urgent Care is here to help you recognize symptoms ...

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Understanding the Differences Between Urgent and Primary Care

Primary Care Vs. Urgent Care: What’s the Difference?  Determining where to go to seek medical treatment can be confusing. Have you ever needed immediate medical care for something but weren’t sure where to go? Should you go to your primary care doctor? Would urgent care be the better option? Is it serious enough for the emergency room?   Deciding whether or not to go to the Emergency Room is straightforward. ER care is needed ...

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Symptoms of Food Poisoning vs. a Stomach Virus: How to Know the Difference

Going out to eat with friends or family during the holidays can be an enjoyable way to spend time together. Spending time shopping, sipping a festive beverage, or looking at the lights around Jackson Square and Main Street in Oak Ridge can also be a great way to make memories with family and friends. However, feeling sick afterwards can be unsettling and something you shouldn’t ignore. Understanding if your digestive upset is from contaminated ...

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Is It a Sinus Infection or Seasonal Allergies?

Stuffy nose, facial pressure, and a relentless headache; sound familiar? If you’re battling these symptoms, you might be asking yourself: is this a sinus infection, or just seasonal allergies acting up? The overlap of symptoms can be confusing, especially in the transitional seasons of spring and fall when pollen counts soar and respiratory issues spike. But knowing the difference between the two isn’t just helpful; it’s essential for choosing the right treatment ...

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Common Foot Ailments: Is It Athlete’s Foot or What Else Could It Be?

Wondering if you have athlete’s foot or something else? Learn about the symptoms, treatment options, and prevention tips to keep your feet healthy and fungus free; as well as learning about some other common issues that could be causing your foot issues.  Being active by hiking, running, or walking in Haw Ridge Park and more is one of the best things you can do for your health. However, you could find yourself suffering from ...

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Urgent Care or MinuteClinic? How to Decide Where to Go for Care

Urgent care vs. MinuteClinic in Oak Ridge – what’s the difference? Learn why AFC is the trusted local choice for illness & injury care. Oak Ridge is a community with a unique history and an active present. From exploring the American Museum of Science and Energy, to hiking the Haw Ridge trails, to enjoying dinner downtown, life here offers plenty to keep you busy. But when sickness or an unexpected injury interrupts your plans, the choice ...

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How to Calm Your Child’s Fears About Urgent Care

You had your afternoon all planned out. Maybe a quick stop at the public library after school, a snack, some downtime. But then your child started to feel sick, and suddenly your plans shifted to a visit to the clinic. For kids, unexpected changes like this can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves seeing a doctor. It is perfectly normal for children to feel nervous about visiting urgent care. Whether it is their very first ...

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How Can I Lower My Risk of Getting COVID-19 in Oak Ridge?

It’s a fact that all the news and knowledge we’ve heard about the coronavirus since the beginning of 2020 has been concerning. For a long time, it seemed like the virus numbers simply kept rising at an outrageous rate. Although the figures have recently stabilized, you still want to do all you can to protect yourself and your loved ones. That’s why our team at AFC Urgent Care is taking a few ...

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Understanding Urgent Care Wait Times: What to Expect

Would you wait for coffee at Starbucks if the line’s out the door? Probably not. The same can go for healthcare. We know, no one loves waiting. But when you’re at AFC Urgent Care Oak Ridge, a little patience means a lot. Each patient is getting careful, personalized treatment, and you will too. Hang tight, quality care is coming your way! Urgent care is your fast, affordable choice and here’s what you ...

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Is It STI or STD? What’s the Difference?

You might be enjoying a quiet morning coffee at Waffle House when you overhear a nearby conversation. One woman mentions she recently learned there’s a difference between an “STI” and an “STD.” It gets you thinking … you’ve heard both terms before, but is there actually a difference? And if so, which one is the correct term to use? While these terms are often used interchangeably, there’s more to the story than just ...

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How Can AFC Oak Ridge Help Keep Your Workplace Healthy?

Keeping your employees healthy and safe isn’t just good for them, it’s good for your business, too. At AFC Urgent Care Oak Ridge, we believe workplace health is about more than just having a first-aid kit nearby. It’s about being proactive and building a culture of wellness. That’s why we partner with businesses of all sizes to offer comprehensive occupational health services. From the Boys & Girls Club of the Clinch Valley ...

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AFC Urgent Care Oak Ridge FAQs

When you’re getting ready to visit our clinic, it’s natural to have a lot of questions. We want you to feel at ease, so we’ve answered some of the common queries we often hear. From questions about waiting times and family visits to insurance details, we’re here to provide clear, helpful information. Questions Covered: How Long Is the Average Wait During Your Visit? Can I Bring My Child to AFC? Can ...

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STD/STI Testing: What To Expect

With the arrival of spring, nature awakens and inspires us to refresh every part of our lives. While you’re busy enjoying the lovely weather, like walking at Cedar Hill Park, and enjoying longer days, don’t forget to schedule your health check-ups. For those who are sexually active, regular STD testing is key to maintaining good health. Knowing when to get tested, understanding the process, and learning how AFC Oak Ridge can help will ...

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Do I Have Measles?

Following a weekend of family fun at parks, a museum, and Sky Zone, you’re startled by news that measles is currently making the rounds in your area. In a post-COVID world, reports of contagious diseases can be especially alarming, which is why AFC Oak Ridge is here to provide some much-needed insight. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that has seen a resurgence in the United States, largely because of declining vaccination rates ...

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Urgent Care 101: Comparison Between Telemedicine and In-Person Visits

The healthcare landscape is evolving, giving you more choices than ever before. Telehealth was already in the mix before COVID-19, but the pandemic made it a household name. Now, with clinics returning to normal, it’s important to know what each option offers. In this article, AFC Oak Ridge will explain what each option offers and compare their benefits and drawbacks. A Quick Guide to Telemedicine Telemedicine allows you to consult with healthcare providers through ...

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Dispelling Myths: Can Adults Get Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

HFMD is often perceived as an illness that only impacts young children, but adults can get hand, foot, and mouth, too. Dispelling the myth that HFMD exclusively affects children is critical, especially since adults may not realize they're carrying the virus and could inadvertently spread it. Pre-Register What Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease? HFMD is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects young children, typically those under the age of five. It ...

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How Long Do Fevers Last in Infants?

When your little one develops a fever, it's natural to worry and wonder, "How long do fevers last in infants?" Fevers are often the body's way of fighting infections by creating a less hospitable environment for germs. While fevers can seem concerning, they are usually not harmful and often resolve on their own. Pre-Register Understanding How Long Fevers Last in Infants In most cases, fevers in infants last around two to three days ...

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