Recent Blog Posts

" Upper and lower respiratory infections can infect different areas of the body. For example, upper respiratory illnesses are considered “head colds” and have symptoms such as sneezing, headache, or sore throat. Lower respiratory infections are considered “chest colds,” which have symptoms like coughing, chest congestion, or fever. Visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham for either respiratory infection. We can diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses. Common Upper Respiratory Diseases Common Cold The common cold is ...

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" We live in our environment that is ripe with germs. Wherever you go, the air you breathe in, the surfaces you touch have millions of bacteria and germs. You can never guess how many germs enter your body, and when you are more susceptible and fall prey to a harmful organism, you can fall severely sick or even lose a life. Vaccines are an important part of life that helps keep our most vulnerable safe ...

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" When you are sick or have suffered from an injury, it can be difficult to decide if you should visit urgent care or an emergency room. Since both of these facilities play different roles, you should visit a suitable department. Furthermore, you can save a lot of time and money when you visit the right facility. AFC Urgent Care Stoneham is able to provide treatment for a variety of illnesses, injuries, and preventative care. When ...

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" Dry skin is very common during the winter for people living in colder climates. As the air gets colder, it gets drier. Most cases of dry skin are manageable and go away when it starts getting warm again. Others can leave you itchy, with cracked skin that may bleed or become infected. Visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham for any treatable illnesses or injuries. Symptoms of dry skin Dry skin ranges in how severe the symptoms ...

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" Laryngitis can happen from either a virus or overuse of the voice. When your vocal cords become inflamed and swollen, your voice comes off either hoarse or not there at all. Most cases of laryngitis are acute and can resolve themselves, but some cases are chronic. AFC Urgent Care Stoneham can help diagnose and treat laryngitis for you and your family members. Learn more about the types of general illnesses we treat here. What is ...

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" There are a variety of reasons why you should get tested at least annually for STDs. Most STDs can live in the body asymptomatic, so many people may not realize they have them. AFC Urgent Care Stoneham offers discrete and confidential STD testing for all patients. Why should I get tested? If you are experiencing symptoms of an STD after having sex with a new partner, it is possible for those symptoms to be extremely ...

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" COVID-19 and the flu share many similarities, but it’s important to understand the key differences between the two with flu season rapidly approaching. Both viruses are highly contagious, and they are spread through respiratory droplets that are inhaled by a nearby person through their nose or mouth. Both viruses are known to have potential complications that may require hospitalization. AFC Urgent Care Stoneham has all the information you may need to stay safe during ...

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" Indoor air quality can decrease in the winter months as people start spending more time indoors. This year is a focus with more people working from home or unable to leave due to quarantine. Carpets, furnishings, and some building materials can hold harmful chemicals that pollute the air in your home. In the short term, this can lead to headaches, allergies, or other illnesses. In the long term, depending on how poor the quality is ...

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" Indoor air quality can decrease in the winter months as people start spending more time indoors. This year is a focus with more people working from home or unable to leave due to quarantine. Carpets, furnishings, and some building materials can hold harmful chemicals that pollute the air in your home. In the short term, this can lead to headaches, allergies, or other illnesses. In the long term, depending on how poor the quality is ...

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" The world’s current situation is challenging for everyone. The coronavirus has left the entire world in a state of panic and anxiety. It is a top-trending topic on all mediums as research institutes all over the world are trying to develop a vaccine for the virus. Everyone is working towards a single goal of returning to a “new normal” that allows communities to live healthy and freely. While it’s true that a vaccine ...

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" COVID-19 is spreading around the world like wildfire. It has been eight months since we first discovered the virus. A major guideline to avoid contracting the virus is that countries put restrictions on travel. However, people can’t avoid traveling when they have important places to go to.   People have been putting off various conferences, important life events, and other trips because of the virus. As restrictions on personal travel begin to ease, people are ...

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" COVID-19 testing is more available than ever as more and more patients have access to multiple testing types. However, patients need to make sure that their nearby urgent care providers and testing facilities have ample testing supplies. Finding a local clinic that provides testing may be much easier than finding a clinic that has all your testing needs available. AFC Urgent Care Stoneham provides both COVID-19 swab testing and coronavirus antibody testing for patients. Each ...

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" This is a scary time for healthcare workers and civilians alike. COVID-19 has been confirmed in 46 states and the Dominican Republic, so it’s safe to say that anyone in the US is potentially at risk. As public fear of the coronavirus spreads, people want to know what healthcare workers are doing to combat the virus. The CDC has released a detailed list of COVID-19 guidelines for healthcare providers, but here’s a brief ...

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" An upper respiratory infection, or a URI, is a common illness that’s caused by bacteria. URI’s are very common and adults can suffer from 2-3 per year on average. URI’s are typically not a big deal and are able to clear on their own with home treatment, but sometimes they lead to further infection and bacteria growth that requires prescription treatment.   Symptoms of an Upper Respiratory Infection Upper respiratory infections affect your ...

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" Strep throat is a type of bacterial infection that causes many unpleasant symptoms. If strep throat isn’t treated quickly, it can lead to a sinus infection, ear infection, and more! The key to controlling your strep throat symptoms and limiting the amount of time it keeps you away from work and school is early detection and treatment.  Signs of Strep Throat The signs of strep throat tend to come on very quickly, this is ...

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" Your healthcare is something that’s important, but it’s also a source of stress for the majority of people in America. With healthcare costs on the rise with no sign of slowing down, how can you make your healthcare fit into your budget? While lowering the costs of healthcare plans may be out of your control, there are some steps you can take to make your personal healthcare more affordable.  Check Before Re-Enrolling  Most ...

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" If your child is planning to participate in sports, sports physicals are something you’ll quickly become familiar with. Sports physicals are designed to help keep children safe while they play and avoid unnecessary illness or injury related to pre-existing medical conditions. Although sports physicals will quickly become second nature, going for the first time is a little nerve wracking. Here’s what you should expect!  Review your Child’s Medical History To begin the ...

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" Wintertime spending can be a lot to manage. Holiday shopping, food shopping, and all types of additional shopping can put a big dent in your budget. In extreme cases, some patients may decide to forgo necessary healthcare services if they are budget strapped! Neglecting any healthcare services that you may need can lead to further health complications that cost even more money to treat or manage. That is why effective healthcare budgeting is crucial to ...

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" Common cold season is upon us as the colder weather and holiday festivities begin to signify the end of the year. As the year comes to a close it is important to remember that the beginning of next year means the spread of infectious diseases, including the cold. Common colds are caused by rhinoviruses, according to the CDC and public health experts, and usually lead to some form of an upper respiratory infection. When a ...

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" Common cold treatment can be a lifesaver when it comes to the holiday season. An urgent care center like AFC Stoneham can immediately treat any sudden cold and flu symptoms you may have. We have a walk-in clinic that can address your cold treatment ASAP and provide you with the relief to fight off the cold. However, you’ll want to ensure that your house and any other settings for the holidays are protected from ...

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