Recent Blog Posts

Are Bronchitis and Pneumonia Dangerous?

Are Bronchitis and Pneumonia Dangerous? Both bronchitis and pneumonia share similar symptoms, and it can be hard to tell the difference between them or know what might require medical assistance. A deep cough accompanied by the production of a lot of colored mucus can be a sign of acute bronchitis, but it may also be something else, like a lung infection. If left untreated, both bronchitis and pneumonia can turn into more severe and sometimes ...

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How Long Do Kidney Stones Last?

How Long Do Kidney Stones Last? Kidney stones, impacting nearly one in 10 Americans each year, present a common and often painful condition that requires essential knowledge for effective management. What is a Kidney Stone? Renal calculi, or kidney stones, are solid formations that originate in the kidneys. They develop when certain waste products struggle to dissolve properly in urine, leading to the creation of crystals due to an imbalance in waste and urine volume ...

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How Can I Reduce My Child’s Ear Infection Pain?

As Ooltewah, Tennessee, experiences winter, a subtle chill in the air adds a touch of coziness to the season. It’s the perfect time to explore the Biology Trails on White Oak Mountain, enjoy family activities at the Imagination Station, or savor a cup of coffee in the welcoming atmosphere of Oaks Coffee House. As you embark on winter adventures, make sure to equip your family with everything you need to stay healthy this season ...

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Why Is My Skin So Dry?

Why Does My Skin Get Dry When It’s Cold Outside? As winter settles across Ooltewah, Tennessee, a chill in the air adds a touch of coziness to the season. It’s the perfect time to hop on the Biology Trails and explore White Oak Mountain, take the kids to play at the Imagination Station, or sip a cup of coffee in a cozy corner at Oaks Coffee House. However, the winter air also brings ...

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Is There a Difference Between Telemedicine and Telehealth Urgent Care?

Is There a Difference Between Telemedicine and Telehealth Urgent Care? Telehealth urgent care and telemedicine are terms that are often  used interchangeably but actually have some distinct differences. Telehealth is an umbrella term that refers to the use of technology in a variety of healthcare services, while telemedicine is a specific type of telehealth service that involves remote clinical services between a doctor and a patient. Pre-Register What Is Telehealth Urgent Care? At its core ...

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Food Poisoning: When and Why to Visit AFC Ooltewah TN

Food Poisoning: When and Why to Visit AFC Ooltewah TN Food poisoning is an unwelcome and often unpredictable health concern that can strike when we least expect it. Defined as an illness caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages, it can manifest as various symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe gastrointestinal distress. While some cases resolve on their own with rest and hydration, there are instances where seeking prompt medical attention becomes crucial. ${custom_link_1_title ...

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Do humidifiers help prevent the flu?

Preventing the Flu with Humidifiers Whether you reside in Ooltewah or are just passing through this holiday season, experience the welcoming atmosphere of this vibrant community. Explore McKay’s Chattanooga the used bookstore and record store or head over to the Local Goat for a locally sourced meal sure to impress. Take an adventure to Harrison Bay State Park or relax with a cup of coffee at Best Coffee Trailer. No matter how you celebrate ...

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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 Avoid Getting Sick Over the Holidays?

It’s finally the holiday season once more, and we aren’t complaining! We love all of the community events in the Ooltewah area, the increased time spent with family and friends and celebrating the holidays that are near and dear to our hearts. Naturally, we all want to avoid getting sick at this time of year so as to not miss out on all the fun. However, illnesses are always lurking around during the ...

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Can You Get Strep Without Tonsils?

Getting Strep Without Tonsils? Is It Possible? AFC Ooltewah TN 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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Is It the Flu or RSV?

Diagnosing yourself can always be a little tricky, especially at this time of year. Many different infections share similar symptoms, so having a cough or body aches doesn’t automatically mean that you have a cold or the flu. It could also mean RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, which can be a serious upper respiratory infection. RSV causes thousands of hospitalizations every winter season across the country, so knowing what to look for and taking ...

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Do I Need the Flu Shot if I Never Get Sick?

Being healthy is one of the greatest gifts in life. Taking care of your body and mind will pay off in a big way as your immune system and general wellness help you avoid illness and stay healthy. However, infections and other illnesses often have minds of their own and can’t entirely be prevented. Even if you are an otherwise healthy person, influenza can sneak up on you and cause you to become really ...

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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 or Is It Strep?

The dreaded sore throat can be one of the more frustrating symptoms of illness. While sometimes a simple drink of water can help ease the pain, other times it’s only the beginning of a frustrating infection that lingers for days. Unfortunately, a sore throat is a common symptom across many different illnesses, so it can be hard to diagnose yourself at home. Our AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah team is here to help! We can ...

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Can You Get COVID-19 Twice in a Season?

It’s that time of year again when fall and winter illnesses rear their ugly heads. We all know that colds and the flu start to pop up more as the seasons progress, and we have to start including COVID-19 into the mix as well. COVID-19 cases are rising right now, and we expect to see more cases again as more people head inside when the temperatures start to cool off. Remember, you can get ...

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How Can I Avoid Falling While at Home?

Getting older is a blessing, but that doesn’t mean it is an easy thing to experience. Certain things become more difficult as we age, and falling at home becomes more of a concern. If you fall as a child or young adult, chances are you will be able to bounce back up with nothing more than a bruise and some residual pain. When you are older, the risk of severe injury or a dangerous ...

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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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