Recent Blog Posts

The best way to treat an illness is taking steps to prevent it in the first place. Or, is it? Learn about how flu vaccines protect you from serious illness, and whether you are still vulnerable to getting the flu this fall. Benefits of Getting the Flu Shot The flu shot is a very simple way to increase your body's ability to fight off the flu. However, it does not completely prevent you from ...

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Pink Eye is an uncomfortable infection that can cause irritation around the eye and other uncomfortable side effects. Learn about pink eye, what causes it and how to avoid it in this article. Visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham for Pink Eye diagnosis & treatment by walking in today. What is Pink Eye? Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, can be a viral or bacterial infection which affects the eye. It is often referred to as pink eye ...

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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 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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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), often associated with children, can also affect adults, causing respiratory distress. In this article, we will discuss the causes and symptoms of RSV in adults, shed light on how long RSV symptoms typically last, and explore available diagnosis and treatment options. Understanding this virus and its course in adults is essential for those experiencing its effects. Causes and symptoms of RSV for adults RSV is a highly contagious virus that primarily ...

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Accidents and injuries can happen unexpectedly, especially when children are involved. This article will explore why a child might need an X-ray, clarify what parents can expect during the X-ray procedure at an urgent care center, and highlight the advantages of obtaining X-rays and pediatric care in this accessible healthcare setting. Understanding these aspects can give parents peace of mind when seeking medical care for their child's injuries. Reasons Why a Child Might Need ...

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Sports Physicals: Getting Ready to Go Back to School Before hitting the field, court, or track, there's a crucial checkpoint that ensures the well-being of our student-athletes: sports physicals.  These check-ups are a proactive approach to safeguarding the health and performance of young athletes. They not only fulfill school and sports league requirements but also serve as a comprehensive assessment to detect and prevent potential health issues. Save Your Spot The Importance of Sports Physicals Physicals ...

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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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Finding out joint pain and its cause on your own is difficult. It is essential to consult a health care provider or an orthopedic specialist to solve your problem. Joint pain demands care and timely evaluation due to the pain and various potential causes. Understanding the level of pain and circumstances is crucial in the early stages for the longevity of your joint health. This article will help you explore the symptoms, cause of pain ...

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The annual checkups for different students' health status are crucial, especially when the academic season approaches. These checkups ensure that students are healthy and fit for their educational purposes.  Back-to-school physicals confirm that students are ready for their educational activities and allow them to express health-related issues, if any.  Your child will grow at his best and be protected from various health problems thanks to the combination of physicals, including medical evaluations, immunizations, and health ...

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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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I Have an STD, But I'm Not Sexually Active If you have contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD) but are not sexually active, there are a few reasons why this could be the case. "STD" refers to the constellation of diseases that result from a sexually transmitted infection (STI). For example, cervical cancer is an STD from the STI of HPV. Though it is possible to contract an STI even if you are not ...

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Water is a crucial element for the human body to function. Hydration is crucial for maintaining bodily functions, regulating temperature, and preventing illness. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. This leads to an imbalance that can have negative effects on our overall health. While both men and women can experience dehydration, do the symptoms differ? In this blog, we’ll explore the different levels of dehydration that can be ...

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As the sun continues to strengthen with each day of summer, many of us are drawn to spending time outside soaking up the rays. While moderate sun exposure can have some benefits, it’s crucial to remember that overexposure to UV rays can have negative effects on our health. One condition that can result is sun poisoning, a severe form of sunburn that can cause a range of symptoms. In this blog post, we’ll ...

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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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It’s easy to overlook the importance of staying hydrated. Whether we’re busy with work, hobbies, or simply forget to drink enough water, dehydration poses a constant risk to us. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to a wide range of symptoms. In this blog post, we’ll explore the connection between dehydration and fatigue to highlight the importance of drinking water throughout the day. For same-day ...

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As the summer temperatures steadily rise, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with heat exhaustion– especially in children. Heat exhaustion can quickly escalate and lead to serious complications if left untreated. Therefore, recognizing the signs and symptoms is crucial in preventing long-term harm. In this blog, we’ll explore what heat exhaustion is, how to recognize its symptoms and different forms of treatment available to keep your child safe during the ...

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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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Everyone experiences bruising at some point in their lives, and often we notice a bruise without being able to recognize when it happened. Bruises are normal and often heal on their own, but sometimes, they can be serious and require medical attention. Here are the differences between a bruise and a hematoma, and how to tell when you should see a healthcare provider for treatment. For same-day injury care, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC ...

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A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that happens in the kidneys, the bladder, or the tubes connecting them. The infection typically spreads from the anus into the urethra, where it develops. Even though UTIs begin and develop below the waist, you may be wondering if nausea is a symptom of this type of infection. Here’s what you need to know about UTIs, including whether they can cause nausea, what your symptoms ...

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