Recent Blog Posts

Are you someone who suffers from seasonal allergies during the spring months? You’re not alone. Spring allergies affect millions of people every year. Once plants begin blooming, they release pollen that can become airborne and lead to irritating symptoms like a runny nose. Seasonal allergies tend to flare up with exposure, but keep reading to learn about how to manage an allergy-induced runny nose. If you’re looking for symptom diagnosis and treatment, AFC ...

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During the colder seasons, respiratory illnesses spread quickly. While some illnesses, like the common cold, can typically resolve on their own in just a few days, there are cases where your symptoms may continue to worsen. Bronchitis is a respiratory illness that can occur as a secondary infection following another upper respiratory illness. It often causes severe illness, and one of the most common symptoms is shortness of breath. Keep reading to learn more about ...

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When you think of whooping cough, you may think of young children getting sick. While whooping cough is much more deadly among children compared to adults, it is still possible for adults to contract whooping cough. Whooping cough can cause severe illness, even for healthy adults, and it is very contagious. Keep reading to learn more about what causes whooping cough in adults and the treatment options for whooping cough. If you’re experiencing symptoms ...

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HFMD is often perceived as an illness that only impacts young children, but adults can get hand, foot, and mouth, too. Dispelling the myth that HFMD exclusively affects children is critical, especially since adults may not realize they're carrying the virus and could inadvertently spread it. Save Your Spot What Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease? HFMD is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects young children, typically those under the age of five. It ...

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When your little one develops a fever, it's natural to worry and wonder, "How long do fevers last in infants?" Fevers are often the body's way of fighting infections by creating a less hospitable environment for germs. While fevers can seem concerning, they are usually not harmful and often resolve on their own. Save Your Spot Understanding How Long Fevers Last in Infants In most cases, fevers in infants last around two to three days ...

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Are sugar rushes real? For decades, many parents have believed in the idea of a “sugar rush,” a phenomenon where kids become hyperactive after consuming sugary snacks or drinks. This belief has led to widespread efforts to limit sugar intake, especially during times when parents want their children to stay calm and focused. Despite its popularity, scientific research shows that the so-called sugar rush is actually a myth. In this blog post, we'll explore ...

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Many different illnesses can lead to a cough. If you’re sick with a cough and are wondering why your cough seems to be lasting longer than your other symptoms, you’re not alone. Lingering coughs can be frustrating and can last up to 8 weeks with no additional symptoms. In most cases, long-lasting coughs that linger after all other illness symptoms have passed are not contagious. If you’re experiencing a lingering cough that ...

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Norovirus, often called the "stomach flu," is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis, leading to nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Although norovirus is often called the stomach flu, they are different illnesses that lead to their own unique symptoms. The flu primarily affects the respiratory system while norovirus targets the digestive tract. Keep reading to learn more about norovirus and its symptoms. If you’re experiencing norovirus symptoms, visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham ...

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Does menopause make you tired? Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years. While it’s often associated with hot flashes and mood swings, many women also experience persistent fatigue during this transition. Feeling tired or low on energy can be frustrating and disruptive, especially when combined with other menopause symptoms. Save Your Spot Understanding Menopause Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs when a woman’s ...

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You may wonder, "What is the best diet for irritable bowel syndrome?" The answer depends on your unique symptoms and needs, but several dietary strategies have been known to bring relief. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects millions of people, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all cure for IBS, making thoughtful changes to your diet can play a significant role in ...

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A wrist sprain is painful and can worsen without proper care. Explore options for treatment and when to seek medical attention. Save Your Spot Table of Contents How To Tell if You Have a Sprained Wrist Severity of Sprained Wrists How To Treat a Sprained Wrist How To Heal a Sprained Wrist Fast Sprained Wrist Medical Devices Should I Go to the ER or Urgent Care? Activities to Avoid With a Sprained Wrist Visit AFC for Help ...

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Cold weather can indeed trigger asthma symptoms for many individuals. When exposed to cold air, the airways may constrict, making breathing harder. This reaction can lead to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. The cold air can also dry out the airways, exacerbating inflammation and increasing sensitivity to allergens or pollutants. If you’re experiencing asthma flare ups, you may need to adjust your lifestyle and take certain preventative measures to avoid asthma ...

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If you get a deep cut, you may be able to treat it without stitches. Learn more about treating a deep cut. Save Your Spot Table of Contents What is Considered a Deep Cut? How Deep Does a Cut Need to Be for Stitches? Treatment Other Concerns to Keep in Mind Where To Go for Treatment What is Considered a Deep Cut? A deep laceration is generally considered over a quarter inch deep, but this also depends ...

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Chest congestion can be a discomforting condition, often caused by colds, allergies, or respiratory infections, leading to tightness and difficulty breathing. It occurs when mucus builds up in the airways and lungs, making it hard to breathe and sometimes causing a productive cough. Fortunately, several effective methods exist for alleviating chest congestion and promoting better airflow. In this article, we'll explore tips for curing chest congestion, including natural remedies, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments ...

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Stomach pain after eating can be a cause for concern, especially if it happens frequently. Learn more about treating frequent and occasional stomach pain. Save Your Spot Table of Contents Potential Causes and Treatments Upper Stomach vs. Lower Stomach Pain What To Do If Other Symptoms, like Diarrhea, Accompany the Stomach Pain What Do I Do If My Stomach Pain After Eating is Frequent? When Do I Need to See a Medical Provider? Potential Causes and Treatments ...

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Ear bleeding can be a sign of serious medical problems, especially if you’ve fallen or had head trauma. Explore potential ear bleeding causes and treatments. Save Your Spot Table of Contents Middle or Outer Ear Infection Head Trauma or Falling Torn or Ruptured Eardrum Foreign Object Barotrauma Other Infections Other Symptoms To Watch For When To Visit a Healthcare Provider Visit Your Local AFC Middle or Outer Ear Infection Infections in the ear, whether in the ...

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A lingering cough after a cold can be irritating and exhausting. Use these tips to get rid of your residual cough. Table of Contents What Causes a Lingering Cough How to Get Rid of a Chronic Cough Medications to Try When to See a Provider Visit Your Local AFC What Causes a Lingering Cough One of the most common causes of a chronic cough is a postnasal drip caused by allergies or a cold. Plus ...

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During the winter months, illnesses tend to spread quickly. One common winter illness is the flu. The flu is a viral infection that can cause severe illness and spread quickly from person to person. Because the flu is caused by a viral infection, you cannot treat it with medications. Your body will fight off the infection on its own over time, however, there are ways to manage your symptoms at home with the help of ...

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While cold weather cannot make you sick, it can indirectly lead to illnesses. This is because cold weather exposure can weaken your immune system which can make you more susceptible to contracting an illness. Cold weather also changes our lifestyle habits which leads us to spend more time indoors where illnesses spread quickly. It is important to be aware of common winter illnesses and know how to reduce your risk of getting sick during the ...

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Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, including our bedtime routines. Many people use electronic devices right before bed, whether scrolling through social media, watching TV, or responding to emails, leading to much research into the relationship between technology and sleep. Join us as we explore how technology affects sleep, debunk common myths, and offer practical tips for creating a more restful, tech-free sleep environment. Table of Contents How Technology and Sleep ...

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