It often starts quietly. Maybe your throat feels dry during your morning commute, or you notice a scratchy sensation while walking around Uptown Cheapskate or running errands at Costco. By the end of the day, swallowing feels uncomfortable, your voice sounds hoarse, and sleep doesn’t come as easily. In Charlotte, sore throats are one of the most common reasons people seek urgent care, especially during colder months or when seasonal illnesses move quickly through ...
You expect the flu to follow a familiar pattern: miserable at first, then gradually easing as the days go on. So when day three or four arrives and you suddenly feel worse: your fever creeps back up, your chest feels heavier, or exhaustion hits harder than before, it can be unsettling. At that point, it’s natural to wonder whether this is still the flu running its course or a sign that your body needs ...
You wake up in Southwest Charlotte already feeling run-down. Your throat is scratchy, your head is pounding, congestion has set in, and your body just feels sore and heavy. You take a COVID test, watch the clock tick by, and finally see the result: negative. That should be good news, but when you still feel miserable, it can leave you wondering what’s actually causing your symptoms. For many people, feeling sick despite a negative ...
As cooler weather moves into Southwest Charlotte, it’s easy to mistake pneumonia for a severe cold or the flu. Whether you’re grabbing lunch at Chili’s or finishing your weekly grocery shopping at Costco, it’s important not to overlook symptoms that could point to something more serious. Pneumonia is a lung infection that often begins with cold- or flu-like signs but can quickly progress. It develops when bacteria, viruses, or fungi cause ...
When the summer heat rolls into southwest Charlotte, there’s nothing quite like stopping by Carolina Scoops for a refreshing snow cone to cool off. Just like picking your favorite flavor, choosing between online and in-clinic healthcare depends on your unique situation and what kind of care you need. Healthcare today offers more flexibility than ever, and at AFC SW Charlotte, we’re proud to provide fast, convenient walk-in clinic services that fit your busy ...
When you’re feeling under the weather or dealing with a minor injury, choosing where to go for care can feel like comparing two similar businesses. It’s a bit like deciding between Sandwich Max and Subway. Both serve similar items, but the experience and offerings can be quite different. The same goes for urgent care centers and minute clinics. While both offer walk-in medical care, the services, staffing, and capabilities vary in ways that ...
It’s a Saturday morning, and your family is heading out for a hike at Crowders Mountain or a picnic at Freedom Park. Suddenly, your child twists an ankle or someone starts feeling under the weather. You need fast, reliable care without spending hours in a waiting room. That’s where we come in. Urgent care centers like ours are designed to provide prompt treatment for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. However, depending on when and ...
A sudden fever at RiverGate Shopping Center or a scraped knee after playing outside in your backyard can quickly turn a regular day into one that calls for a visit to urgent care. While timely medical attention is important, many children feel nervous or even scared when visiting a clinic, especially if they’re not feeling well. The good news is that with the right preparation and support, an urgent care visit can be a ...
As the days grow warmer and the streets of SW Charlotte fill with families visiting local spots like the beloved The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, the sense of community is stronger than ever. Yet, a concerning public health issue is quietly making its way across the nation: measles. This highly contagious viral disease is spreading in various parts of the U.S., leaving many asking the question: Is measles making a comeback? With the rise in ...
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether to say STI or STD while chatting with friends over a cone from Two Scoops Creamery, you’re not alone. These terms are often used interchangeably, and for most people, they seem to mean the same thing. But there’s more to the story, and understanding the language can help you make better decisions about your health. With tens of millions of new infections diagnosed each year ...
As a business owner, you understand that a healthy workforce is the foundation of a thriving business. When employees are healthy, they are more productive, engaged, and less likely to miss work due to illness or injury. That’s why occupational health services play a crucial role in maintaining a safe and efficient work environment. Suppose you’re a Charlotte Chamber of Commerce member or an employer in the Southwest Charlotte area. In that case ...
Enjoying a fresh pastry from Sunflour Baking Company is always a treat, but your health is just as important as indulging in a sweet snack. When it comes to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), early detection is key to protecting your health and the health of your partners. Many STDs are asymptomatic, meaning they don’t always present obvious symptoms, making regular testing an essential part of your wellness routine. If you’re wondering whether you ...
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. Pre-Register 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 ...
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. Pre-Register Understanding How Long Fevers Last in Infants In most cases, fevers in infants last around two to three days ...
As the colder months approach, many people head to local gyms like TWC Fitness to stay active and warm up during the chilly days. While hitting the gym is a great way to maintain your fitness goals, it’s important to remember that crowded spaces can also increase your risk of contracting illnesses like Norovirus, or stomach flu. This highly contagious virus is one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms such ...
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 ...
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. Pre-Register Understanding Menopause Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs when a woman’s ...
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 ...
As winter begins to wind down in Charlotte, many families take advantage of the final weeks of the season by visiting local attractions like the Schiele Museum’s winter exhibits, offering a fun and educational escape from the cold. However, for some, the colder months aren’t just about bundling up, they also bring persistent sadness, fatigue, and difficulty finding motivation. If you notice these feelings occurring every winter, you might be experiencing Seasonal Affective ...
A wrist sprain is painful and can worsen without proper care. Explore options for treatment and when to seek medical attention. Pre-Register 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 ...