Recent Blog Posts

How to Interpret Medical Lab Test Results

April 15, 2022

Medical lab test results are crucial for identifying potential illnesses and chronic diseases but interpreting them can be a challenge. Learning how is worth it, though, so take some time now to read through our guide. Make sure to have your lab results in hand as you follow the below steps to determine and interpret your results. What are lab tests? Laboratory tests, or lab tests, are a way for doctors to diagnose or monitor ...

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When Should a Driver Get a DOT Physical?

April 15, 2022

DOT physicals are a necessary part of becoming a commercial driver or trucker. They ensure that all drivers are safe and cleared to continue driving. Wherever you are in your commercial driving career, you’ll likely need a DOT physical exam at some point, so keep reading to learn more. Who Needs a DOT Physical? Not sure if you need a DOT physical? Below are indicators that you will need a physical exam to continue ...

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How Do Urgent Care Centers Treat Viruses?

March 1, 2022

Urgent care centers provide fast, affordable medical treatment on your schedule When you are unable to visit your primary physician. Urgent care is a convenient solution and alternative to expensive and unnecessary emergency room visits. During the wintertime, doctors’ offices often see an increase in the number of patients who are experiencing symptoms of viral illness. How does an Urgent Care office treat patients with viruses? A medical professional will need to evaluate patients and ...

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When Is Urgent Care a Better Option Than the Emergency Room?

March 1, 2022

Injuries and illnesses often occur at the worst, most inconvenient times. It can take days to get into your primary care physician for an appointment. Should patients go to the emergency room or an Urgent Care Center when these situations occur? Many patients are unsure of where to go when unexpected injuries and/or illnesses occur. The emergency department is often overutilized by situations that could be handled at an Urgent Care Center. The following ...

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Why Are More People Using Urgent Care Centers for Common Health Needs?

December 9, 2021

Healthcare is a complex industry that’s constantly adapting to meet the needs of the patient. Urgent care centers are a great example of something that’s become a staple in the healthcare world for patients today that hasn’t always been around. Urgent care centers are rapidly growing in popularity. This has caused more new urgent care centers to open all around the country! It’s no coincidence that urgent care centers are becoming ...

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What Are the Main Causes for the Spread of Illnesses?

December 9, 2021

Illnesses are an unfortunate reality of life. Without the occasional illness, we probably wouldn’t appreciate our healthier days so much! Illness can occur at any age and the cause isn’t always obvious. Once you know how most illnesses are spread, you can begin taking steps to lower your risk of illness every day! Direct Contact Illness spread through direct contact is an illness that’s spread from one person to another. Direct contact ...

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How the Delta Variant Impacts Child Safety and Public Health?

November 18, 2021

The Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is more contagious and spreads fast in children, says CDC. Besides, it may lead to severe illness in children and adults. The typical symptom of the Delta variant is loss of smell and cough. In contrast, major symptoms include headache, sore throat, runny nose, and fever. The Delta variant is more infectious than the previous strains of COVID-19. Delta COVID-19 cases have been reported in North America, the ...

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How Can I Treat Common Childhood Illnesses My Children Could Get?

November 18, 2021

Children are susceptible and tend to get sick, especially during the first few years of their life. Their developing immune system cannot fight against infection caused by environmental factors easily during the fall season. Moreover, children can suffer from seasonal illnesses, including flu, cold, lung infection, and other common diseases, at least once a year. Here is the guide for how you can treat common childhood illnesses in your children. Common Childhood Illnesses and their ...

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When is the Appropriate Time to Get an STD Test?

January 5, 2021

" STD is short for sexually transmitted diseases. As the name implies, they spread through sexual intercourse and sexual contact. STDs don’t always have visible symptoms. Nevertheless, you might experience some mild symptoms. Hence, you should opt for frequent STD testing if you have sexual intercourse with multiple partners. STDs are curable and preventable diseases. Sexually transmitted diseases can be viral, fungal, or bacterial in nature. They include conditions like gonorrhea, hepatitis, HIV AIDs, and ...

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Does COVID-19 spread through the air?

November 15, 2020

" The surprising presence of the COVID-19 virus has shaken us all up this year. Luckily, scientists are working hard to learn more about the virus, how it spreads, and how to stay safe. Recently it’s been discovered that COVID-19 might be spread through the air. Keep reading to learn more about how the virus works and how you can protect yourself from it. COVID-19 is airborne In early October 2020, the Center for Disease ...

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COVID-19 Rapid Testing vs. PCR Testing

November 15, 2020

" As medical researchers continue to study the novel coronavirus that appeared in 2019, they are able to develop better and better methods of testing and treatment. Most recently, development in rapid testing has made getting results quick and easy. Here is everything you need to know about rapid and standard PCR testing. PCR Testing A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test has been the standard test for the COVID-19 virus for most of the pandemic’s ...

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Getting Ready for a Safe Halloween

October 23, 2020

" Halloween is quickly approaching, but this year the celebrations are going to be a little different. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, keeping yourself and your family safe is critical. While you may not be able to do all of the activities that you consider fun this spooky season, there are still plenty of ways to participate without risking exposure to COVID-19. Some of the ways you can celebrate the fall season safely include: What can ...

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Why It’s Time to Get Your Annual Flu Shot

September 25, 2020

" As the temperatures get cooler and the leaves begin to change, it is time for you to make preparations for another kind of season: flu season is underway. By getting your flu shot at AFC Urgent Care South Portland, you will be able to be immunized with plenty of time before the virus begins to spread throughout your community. Flu vaccinations are offered seven days a week for walk-in patients. What is the benefit of ...

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How Should I Prepare for Flu Season During COVID-19?

August 12, 2020

" It may be hard to believe, but flu season begins in only a few short weeks. The season starts in late September and lasts through late spring, ending around Memorial Day. Because the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, it’s important to make sure you take certain steps to keep yourself safe during this flu season. The flu virus is highly contagious, with hundreds of thousands of cases reported each year as the virus makes its ...

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What is the Difference Between COVID-19 Diagnostic & Antibody Testing?

July 28, 2020

" As local businesses are starting to reopen, you may be interested in learning if you have been exposed to COVID-19, whether it is through an active case of the virus or past infection. AFC Urgent Care South Portland offers two separate tests to detect and diagnose exposure to COVID-19 after a telemedicine screening and by appointment only. Diagnostic Swab Testing In order to diagnose the active COVID-19 virus, AFC Urgent Care South Portland offers swab ...

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When Is Flu Season?

December 30, 2019

" You’ve heard the term “flu season,” but what does it really mean? Can you only get the flu at certain times? When can you get vaccinated for the flu? What are the best ways to prevent and treat the flu, and when should you take these steps? Find out these answers and more below. When Does Flu Season Begin and End? There is no official start and end date for flu season, but typically ...

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What Should I Be Using an Urgent Care Center For?

December 30, 2019

" Fortunately, there are currently several options for medical care, including urgent care, the emergency room, the doctor’s office, and specialists’ offices. With so many options, how do you know which facility you should use and when? You don’t want to waste your time and money visiting one place only to be referred somewhere else, especially when you are dealing with an illness. Find out more about each facility and when you should use ...

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