Flu season can be confusing, especially when cold, flu, and other respiratory illnesses share similar symptoms. Many people ask themselves, “Is this just a cold, or do I have the flu?” Understanding the signs of influenza, when to get tested, and how to seek treatment can help you feel better faster, prevent complications, and stop the spread of infection to others. At AFC Urgent Care Union City, we provide rapid flu testing, same-day treatment, and ...
COVID-19 is widely known for causing respiratory symptoms like cough, fever, and shortness of breath, but it can also affect the nervous system. Many people report dizziness, lightheadedness, or a sense of imbalance during or after COVID infection. Understanding why this happens, how long it might last, and ways to manage it can help you feel more in control of your recovery and know when to seek medical care. For same-day illness testing and treatment ...
The stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis, is a common infection that affects the stomach and intestines. It often brings nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, leaving many people wondering how long they’ll feel unwell. While the illness can be uncomfortable, understanding its typical duration, symptoms, and ways to manage it can help you recover faster and prevent complications like dehydration. For same-day stomach flu treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent ...
If you’ve suddenly come down with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, you may be wondering: is it food poisoning or a stomach bug? Both can leave you feeling miserable, but they’re caused by different things and may require slightly different approaches to treat. Knowing the difference can help you better understand your symptoms, avoid spreading illness, and decide when to seek medical attention. For same-day illness treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent ...
If you’ve ever felt fullness, popping, or pressure in your ears during a cold or sinus infection, you’re not alone. Your sinuses and ears are closely connected, and inflammation in one can easily affect the other. The sinuses (air-filled spaces behind your forehead, cheeks, and nose) are linked to your middle ear through small passageways called the Eustachian tubes. These tubes equalize pressure and drain fluid from your ears. When your sinuses become ...
The flu, or influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads quickly in households, schools, or workplaces. If you’ve recently been around someone with the flu, you may wonder how long it will take before you know whether you’ve caught it. Understanding the flu’s incubation period (the time between exposure and the start of symptoms) can help you prepare, monitor your health, and take steps to avoid spreading illness to others ...
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep). It’s known for causing sudden, severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and fever. But not everyone experiences strep in the same way, leading many to wonder: Does strep throat always cause a fever? The short answer is no. While fever is one of the most common symptoms, it’s possible to have strep throat without one. In this blog, we’ll explore ...
Seasonal allergies are best known for symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion– but many people are surprised to find themselves feeling usually tired or mentally foggy during allergy season. If you’ve ever wondered whether your allergies are to blame for fatigue and brain fog, the answer is yes, they can. In this blog, we’ll explore why it happens and what you can do about it. For same-day seasonal allergy relief, visit the ...
Getting your annual flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and those around you from influenza. While it’s a quick and simple process, it’s common to experience some mild side effects afterwards. The most frequent one is soreness in the arm where the vaccine was administered. But how long should you expect that discomfort to last? In this blog, we’ll explore common flu shot side effects and their ...
Mononucelosis, often referred to as “mono” or “the kissing disease,” is a viral infection that spreads through saliva and close contact. It’s most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and it can lead to extreme fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. But how long after exposure do symptoms actually begin? Understanding the timeline of mono symptoms can help you recognize the infection early and seek appropriate care. For a same-day mono diagnosis ...
Ear infections are a common and often painful condition, especially in children, but adults can get them too. While antibiotics are sometimes prescribed, not all ear infections require them. So what happens if you let one run its course? How long does an ear infection last without antibiotics? The answer depends on the type of ear infection, your age, and your overall health. In many cases, the body can resolve an ear infection on its ...
If your child is gearing up for a new sports season, chances are a sports physical (sometimes called a pre-participation physical exam) is required before they can hit the field, court, or track. These exams are designed to ensure your child is healthy enough to safely participate in physical activity, and they’re often mandatory for school and recreational sports. Whether this is your first time scheduling one or you’re just looking for a ...
Have you ever spent time in the sun, then felt dizzy, lightheaded, or disoriented? You’re not alone. Dizziness after sun exposure is a common concern, especially during the summer months when the UV is strong. While it may seem like a mild reaction, it could be a sign of something more serious– like dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke. In this blog, we’ll explore why you might feel dizzy after being in the sun ...
If you’ve ever brushed up against poison ivy and noticed an itchy rash developing soon after, you’re not alone. Poison ivy is one of the most common causes of allergic skin reactions in the U.S. While the rash itself is unpleasant, many people are surprised, and even alarmed, when it begins to blister. So, is it normal for poison ivy to cause blisters? In short, yes. Blistering is a common and natural ...
Spending time outdoors in the sun can be fun and relaxing. However, overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause more than just painful, red skin. It can make you sick. Many people don’t realize that a serious sunburn can lead to symptoms that mimic the flu, including fever, chills, nausea, and fatigue. Understanding why this happens and when to seek medical care is crucial to staying safe and healthy during the ...
Nausea is an uncomfortable symptom that can stem from a variety of causes– ranging from food poisoning to motion sickness. But one commonly overlooked cause is dehydration. If you’re feeling nauseous and haven’t been drinking enough water, there’s a good chance the two are connected. Dehydration doesn’t always present with obvious symptoms like dry mouth or dizziness. Sometimes, it can quietly disrupt your body’s balance and lead to queasiness, especially ...
Many people associate pollen allergies with sneezing, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion. But if you’re also feeling unusually tired during allergy season, you’re not alone. Fatigue is a lesser-known but common symptom of seasonal allergies, and it can interfere with your ability to focus, work, or enjoy daily activities. If you’re wondering why allergies could be making you feel so wiped out, the answer lies in how your body responds to allergens ...
As the warmer weather of spring brings outdoor adventures and blooming nature, it also ushers in a season of pesky skin irritations, from bug bites to poison ivy rashes. While these irritations are common, understanding how to treat them effectively can make all the difference in preventing discomfort and promoting healing. Whether dealing with the itch of a mosquito bite or the sting of poison ivy, knowing the proper remedies and when to seek medical ...
When you're feeling under the weather, it can be challenging to distinguish between the symptoms of strep throat and seasonal allergies. Both conditions can cause sore throats, fatigue, and discomfort, but the underlying causes differ. Strep throat, a bacterial infection, often comes with a sudden onset of severe throat pain and difficulty swallowing. At the same time, seasonal allergies are triggered by pollen, leading to a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Understanding the ...
As the seasons change, so do the allergens in the air. For many people, this means the return of seasonal allergies, bringing with them sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. Recognizing the symptoms early can help you take action before they become too severe. In this blog, we’ll explore what to look for and how to manage seasonal allergies before they disrupt your daily life. For same-day seasonal allergy treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at ...
