As the seasons change and the temperature drops, it's not uncommon to hear warnings about the arrival of cold and flu season. During this time, many people become more wary of their health and take extra precautions to avoid getting sick. However, amidst the heightened awareness, numerous myths and misconceptions about this season have been perpetuated over the years. American Family Care (AFC) debunks these myths and separates fact from fiction, enabling you to ...
Is an Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic Like Going to the ER? If you find yourself with an emergency medical condition that needs to be dealt with, it can often become an overwhelming situation. Thoughts of long waits, expensive treatments, and procedures at a hospital emergency room (ER) may cross your mind. However, the ER isn't always your only option - have you ever considered visiting an urgent care walk-in clinic? Urgent care clinics like AFC ...
Food poisoning, an unwelcome aftermath of a seemingly harmless meal, can cast a shadow over any dining experience. The question arises: should you rush to urgent care for food poisoning? This guide aims to shed light on the nuances of food poisoning, its symptoms, and the circumstances that warrant seeking professional medical help. Understanding Food Poisoning Food poisoning occurs when food becomes a host to harmful bacteria, parasites, or viruses. Notorious culprits include E. Coli ...
Sneezing and coughing? Is it a common cold or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)? These conditions are similar and share many symptoms that overlap, making it difficult to self-diagnose. This guide will give you a deeper understanding of how both differ. For same-day illness diagnosis and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Union City– no appointment required! We’re open seven days a week and specialize in treating a wide range of conditions ...
Getting Strep Without Tonsils? Is It Possible? AFC Union City NJ Has Answers for You Is getting strep without tonsils possible? The short answer is yes. Strep throat is caused by a particular strain of bacteria, group A Streptococcus. These bacteria can live in the nose and mouth. The bacteria are spread through an infected person's saliva or mucus and contact with contaminated surfaces and objects. A person without tonsils can contract the infection if ...
Can Bronchitis Turn Into Pneumonia? Can bronchitis turn into pneumonia? In some cases, this happens when the inflammation of the bronchial tubes persists for some time and is not treated properly, leading to a bacterial or viral infection that can cause pneumonia. When bronchitis becomes severe, the tiny hair-like structures (cilia) that line the bronchi can become damaged, making it difficult for mucus to clear from the lungs. This trapped mucus creates a breeding ground ...
What Are the Degrees of Burns? A Guide to Identifying Burns So, what are the degrees of burns? If you’ve been wondering how to identify burns, we’ve got the answers for you. Burns are a common injury that can occur from various sources, including hot liquids, fire, chemicals, and sun exposure. Depending on the severity of the burn, it can range from a minor inconvenience to a life-threatening emergency. Therefore, it is crucial ...
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system. The condition is characterized by symptoms like fever and cough, but can also cause some individuals to experience nausea. In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between the flu and nausea and outline where you can go to seek quick and effective flu treatment. Have you gotten your flu shot yet? Visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent ...
A broken toe can be a painful and inconvenient injury. It can leave individuals wondering if they need medical intervention or if time alone will be enough to heal the fracture. While some minor fractures can heal on their own, it’s important to understand your specific injury and make informed decisions about the path to care and recovery. In this blog, we’ll explore the factors that can influence the healing process of a ...
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 ...
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 ...
As September arrives, so do specific health concerns with changing seasons. This article will highlight common fall illnesses and their symptoms, provide valuable prevention tips, and explore the convenience of seeking seasonal illness treatment at urgent care centers. Awareness of these health issues and preventive measures can help you stay healthy as you transition into the autumn months. Common Fall Illnesses & Their Symptoms September ushers in a shift in weather and environmental conditions, increasing the ...
As flu season approaches, many individuals consider getting a flu shot a preventive measure. However, concerns about potential side effects, such as muscle pain, often arise. In this article, we'll delve into how the flu shot works, explore its common side effects, and provide practical tips for relieving the muscle aches that can occur after receiving the vaccine. The flu shot is a valuable tool in protecting against influenza, a contagious respiratory illness that ...
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. Schedule Now The Importance of Sports Physicals Physicals ...
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 ...
With the new school year just around the corner, many families are preparing their children for sports or other extracurricular activities. During a time of increased physical activity, it’s important to prioritize your child’s health and wellness– particularly in preventing dehydration. While dehydration can affect individuals of all ages, it can be extra concerning in children as their bodies have a lower reserve of fluids. In this blog, we’ll explore how to ...
As the back-to-school season approaches, there’s more to prepare for than just new books and backpacks. Ensuring your child’s health and well-being is equally important for a successful school year. From establishing healthy routines to preventing illness, there are several steps you can take as a parent or a caregiver to set your child up for a productive and thriving academic experience! In this blog, we’ll explore some essential health tips to ...
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 ...
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 ...
The body can overheat from extended exposure to high temperatures, leading to serious heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. If it is not treated correctly, it can cause heart stroke, a serious emergency. To stop future problems and give the required medical care, it is essential to recognize these warning signals and act immediately. Ignoring the relevant signs and symptoms can cause death. This article covers signs and symptoms, prevention, and when to ...
