Recent Blog Posts

Why You Should See an Urgent Care Doctor for Wart Removal

October 2, 2023

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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RSV and The Flu: A Comparative Guide for Understanding and Prevention

October 1, 2023

​​ In the world of contagious diseases, Influenza (commonly known as the flu) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are two names that often come up. Both are viral infections that mainly target the respiratory system and are notorious for their contagious nature. They share several common symptoms including coughing, fever, and a runny nose. However, it's essential to recognize that they also have distinct differences in their epidemiology, risk factors, and potential complications. AFC Urgent ...

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Sports Physicals: Getting Ready to Go Back to School

September 10, 2023

Back-to-school sports physicals are vital for student athletes. They ensure health and meet requirements. Urgent care clinics offer quick, comprehensive exams with convenience and confidentiality. AFC provides affordable physicals, prioritizing your child's well-being.

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Pain in the Lower Left Side of the Abdomen for Females: What Is it?

September 1, 2023

Pain in the lower left side of the abdomen in females can indicate unique problems related to women’s health. Learn more about what can cause pain and when to seek medical attention. Where is the pain coming from? There are many organs on the left side of the abdomen. When experiencing lower left side pain, it could be coming from one of these organs, according to the Cleveland Clinic: Small intestine Colon Appendix Ovaries ...

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Can the Flu Shot Make You Sick? Why the Stick Can Make You Feel Ick

August 15, 2023

From 2010 to 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated there were 9.4 million to 41 million flu illnesses every year. But there is an easy way to protect yourself — the flu shot. Studies show that the severity of the flu is significantly less if you catch the flu but are vaccinated. The CDC says the flu vaccine reduces the risk of seeing a doctor for the flu by 40% to ...

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Immunizations And Back To School Physicals: Is Your Child Ready For School?

August 14, 2023

As we celebrate "National Immunization Awareness Month" in August, it's the perfect time to prioritize your child's annual physical to ensure they are well-equipped for the upcoming school year. This isn't just any routine physical—it plays a crucial role in promoting immunization awareness and safeguarding your child's health. AFC Urgent Care Springfield is committed to providing comprehensive care during back to school physicals, aligning with the mission of this important ...

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Can You Get an STD Without Having Sex?

August 11, 2023

If you have an STD but haven't been sexually active, you may have contracted it through sharing needles, tattoos/piercings, blood transfusions, or other means. Some STDs are asymptomatic but can lead to serious health consequences if left untreated. AFC urgent care clinics offer confidential STD testing and treatment.

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Conquering Swimmer's Ear: Your 3-Step Guide with AFC Urgent Care Springfield

July 5, 2023

Splish splash, and now my ear hurts. Why?  Swimmer's ear, also known as otitis externa, is a prevalent infection that affects the outer ear canal. It occurs when bacteria or fungi thrive in a moist ear environment. While swimmers are commonly affected, it can also be caused by excessive sweating, humid conditions, or ear canal injuries. AFC Urgent Care Springfield understands the confusion around swimmer’s ear, and the concerns around getting it this ...

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Hand Foot and Mouth Disease: What It Looks Like for Adults & Kids

July 2, 2023

What does hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) look like? The symptoms can look different for kids and adults. See what the symptoms can be and how to treat them. What is Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease? HFMD is a common viral illness caused by the enterovirus, most commonly the coxsackievirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the disease primarily affects children under 5, but anyone, including adults, can contract it. It’s typically a mild illness. The disease ...

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Urgent Care for Broken Bones & Fractures: What Urgent Care Treats

June 12, 2023

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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Preventing Men's Health Issues Is The Foundation of Men's Health Month: Promote Preventative Care

May 31, 2023

Men's health concerns demand more attention and dialogue about ways to prevent them. Among the prevalent issues affecting men, heart disease, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer stand out as serious diseases responsible for millions of deaths each year. Given men's tendency to neglect medical appointments, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of regular check-ups, enabling early detection and treatment to prevent these health issues.  AFC Urgent Care Springfield strongly advocates for men ...

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Here’s What Happens During a Physical for Sports Exam

May 11, 2023

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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A Pesky Situation: Deer Tick Bites And Lyme Disease

May 3, 2023

  Deer ticks have been a growing concern in the Northeast for years and it has become a pesky situation for many of us trying to enjoy the outdoors. Spring and summer time are the peak times for ticks and because Massachusetts has a lot of woodlands, it makes it the perfect habitat for deer ticks to populate, latch onto you, and just be a pest. But deer ticks are more than just a pesky nuisance ...

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Is My Lower Back and Leg Pain from COVID? AFC Answers

April 21, 2023

While it is possible to develop lower back and leg pain from COVID, there are also several other causes. As experts in urgent healthcare services, AFC in Springfield indicates why you might be experiencing back pain after COVID and explains some other reasons you might have lower back pain.    Lower Back and Leg Pain from COVID Lower back pain is a possible symptom of COVID-19. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise, given ...

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What Is Mono and What Are the Symptoms?

April 14, 2023

So, what is mono, and what are the symptoms? American Family Care in Springfield has answers, and treatment, for you.  Mononucleosis (mono) is an infectious viral disease most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but other viruses can also cause it. Also sometimes known as the “kissing disease,” mono is spread through saliva and can even be passed from person to person from sharing cutlery and utensils. According to the CDC, mono occurs mainly ...

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Telehealth Urgent Care | Technology in the Healthcare Industry

April 7, 2023

The healthcare industry has evolved to include telehealth urgent care, an innovative technology that has made it easier for people worldwide to access healthcare virtually.  This medical service offers faster urgent care visits through virtual appointments, providing services from physical exams to diagnostics, which allows healthcare providers to connect with patients remotely, providing care, support, and information from a distance. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility or transportation issues, with busy schedules ...

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I Didn’t Use Protection! Am I At Risk For Contracting An STD/STI?

March 31, 2023

Having unprotected sex is one of the fastest ways to contract an STD or STI. In light of April being the month that brings awareness about the dangers of STD’s and STI’s, the message is very clear: brush up on your knowledge about the different types of diseases/infections, how to reduce your chances of contracting one and the importance of getting tested to know your status.  Regardless whether it’s April or ...

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Spring Is Here And So Are Our Allergies

March 6, 2023

Spring is coming and we’re more than excited to put the winter behind us. But we are now approaching what some might call a, “severe” spring allergy season. Due to climate changes, pollen has already started blowing towards us. If that itch in your nose or your eyes is starting to get to you, then it's time to prepare and avoid allergy triggers. The pollen level this season may be heavier and longer ...

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Do Urgent Care Providers Offer On-Site Lab Services?

March 1, 2023

Urgent care providers offer convenient, time-saving alternatives to visiting an emergency room for minor, non-life-threatening medical conditions. These healthcare centers typically have shorter wait times and offer services like X-rays, urgent treatment of colds and flu, sprains, strains, and fractures, on-site lab tests, and physicals. Urgent care centers provide efficient diagnoses of various health problems, ranging from minor to severe. Some are also equipped with on-site lab testing capabilities so that patients can get results ...

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All Blocked Up? Here Are a Few Sinus Infection Cures

February 27, 2023

A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is a frustrating ailment that causes a runny nose, congestion, swollen and/or itching eyes, a sore throat, headaches, and other symptoms. While there isn’t necessarily a quick sinus infection cure, there are certainly ways that you can ease your discomfort and speed up your recovery.  If you’re suffering from sinusitis, know that you aren’t alone; approximately 90% of patients with colds have an element of viral ...

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