Recent Blog Posts

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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Herpes vs. Yeast Infections: What’s What?

Are you wondering if you have genital herpes or a vaginal yeast infection? Learn the common signs of genital herpes vs. vaginal yeast infections so you know what to discuss with your doctor. What is Herpes? Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by two types of viruses — herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). In addition, there are genital and oral herpes. Unfortunately, both are chronic ...

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How Much is an X-Ray? Urgent Care X-Ray Cost vs. ER X-Ray Cost

You’re at soccer practice for your son, and he trips and falls on his arm and is immediately in pain. While your first thought might not be, “How much is an x-ray?” there are a few things to consider when choosing where to go for treatment. Before you visit an ER for an x-ray, you may want to consider the cost. Here’s what ER x-rays cost vs. urgent care x-rays, including x-ray cost ...

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Urgent Care vs Emergency Room: The Key Differences

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, American Family Care 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 ...

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Itchy Throat Remedies: What Causes It & 6 Ways to Make it Stop

An itchy throat is a common symptom that can have a variety of causes. It can make daily living uncomfortable as it’s difficult to talk or swallow with an irritated throat. Explore itchy throat remedies that can help soothe symptoms from allergies or other itchy throat causes. Causes of an Itchy Throat A number of factors can cause an irritated throat. Allergies and viral infections are the most common. Some of the other common ...

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Common Symptoms of Sun Poisoning

Spending time in the sun is a great way to enjoy outdoor activities, but protecting yourself from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is important. However, it’s essential to know the common signs and symptoms of sun poisoning and when to seek treatment. Whether you're planning a day at the beach, a hike in the mountains, or simply spending time in your own backyard, understanding the signs and risks of sun poisoning ...

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Heat Rash Symptoms and Treatment

In the sweltering heat of summer or during periods of intense physical activity, many of us have experienced the discomfort of heat rash symptoms. This common skin condition, also known as prickly heat or miliaria, can put a damper on our outdoor adventures and leave us itching and irritated. Understanding the symptoms and treatment options for heat rash is crucial to managing this condition and ensuring our skin stays healthy. Additionally, it’s essential to ...

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When to Take Your Child to Pediatric Urgent Care

As a parent, it can be difficult to know when your child's illness or injury requires urgent medical attention. Pediatric urgent care clinics are designed to provide immediate medical attention for children with non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries that require prompt treatment but are not severe enough to require a trip to the emergency room. These centers are designed to provide accessible care that is much more affordable than pediatrician or primary care physician visits ...

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Debunking Cold and Flu Season Myth

As the seasons change and the temperature drops, it's not uncommon to hear warnings about the arrival of cold and flu season. During this time, many people become more wary of their health and take extra precautions to avoid getting sick. However, amidst the heightened awareness, numerous myths and misconceptions about this season have been perpetuated over the years. American Family Care (AFC) debunks these myths and separates fact from fiction, enabling you to ...

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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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When Should I Go To Urgent Care For a Fever?

Our body has an excellent defense mechanism to fight illnesses and diseases. Our immune system acts as a shield to eradicate many different types of infections. In the winter, we’re at a higher risk for falling ill. These different illnesses can often cause a fever. The degree of fever varies in children and adults, and over-the-counter medicine may not be enough to fully treat the infection. In this blog, we’ll explain when it ...

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Can Cold Weather Cause a Sore Throat?

Winter is an enjoyable season because many occasions are lined up for celebration. However, getting sick is a significant risk during the winter months. As many different health conditions pose a risk for us during this time of year, it can be difficult to self-diagnose your symptoms. In this blog, we’ll explain the connection between cold weather and sore throats and outline when to seek medical care. Get same-day sore/strep throat treatment at ...

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Can You Get Strep Without Tonsils?

Getting Strep Without Tonsils? Is It Possible? AFC South Plainfield NJ 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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How to Identify and Treat Fall Allergies

As the vibrant foliage paints the landscape and cooler breezes fill the air, the arrival of fall is eagerly anticipated by many. However, this season can usher in a different experience – the onset of fall allergies – for some. While autumn's beauty is undeniable, it can also be accompanied by allergens that trigger unwelcome symptoms in those prone to allergic reactions. Understanding how to identify and treat fall allergies is essential for anyone seeking to ...

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Why Do My Joints Hurt When It's Cold Outside?

Many individuals ask this age-old question: Why do my joints hurt when it's cold outside? Whether it's a slight ache or more intense discomfort, the connection between dropping temperatures and joint pain has long been a topic of curiosity. While it might feel like an old wives' tale, there's scientific reasoning behind this phenomenon. As the seasons change, some people's joints respond sensitively to the cold, causing discomfort and stiffness. Causes ...

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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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Sore Throat From Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment

While most people associate allergies with sneezing and nasal congestion, they may not be aware that seasonal allergies can also lead to a sore throat. This article is here to solve all your confusion. Read this article to explore the causes and symptoms of seasonal allergies. This article will briefly explain why allergies can cause a sore throat and effective strategies for preventing allergy-related sore throats. For same-day allergy relief, visit the walk-in clinic at ...

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