Recent Blog Posts

Splinters are a common childhood injury, especially when kids run around barefoot or play with wooden toys, fences, or plants. While most splinters are small and harmless, they can still be painful and cause discomfort. As a parent, it's natural to want to remove the splinter quickly and safely. Understanding how to spot a splinter, remove it correctly, and know when to get medical help can help you stay calm and handle the situation ...

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When the temperatures rise, so does the intensity of the sun. One potential side effect of hotter and longer days is the potential to become dehydrated more easily. Dehydration is very common, however, it requires you to be able to identify the symptoms and take action to avoid severe symptoms. This article will review common symptoms of dehydration so that you can tackle the hot summer season without experiencing symptoms of dehydration. If you’re ...

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Swimmer’s ear is a common type of ear infection that affects the outer ear canal and is often caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming. While it typically leads to symptoms like itching, redness, and pain, many wonder if it can also cause a fever. And to answer your answer, yes, a swimmer's ear can cause a fever. This article further explores how to recognize the symptoms and the best ways ...

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Insect bites are a common ailment that bring people to the ER. While most insect bites are harmless, bee stings can be painful and may require medical intervention if you cannot get the stinger out or are allergic. Even if you’re not allergic, bee stings can cause discomfort for days after, including symptoms like intense itching at the sting site. This article will review common side effects of bee stings and when to seek ...

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If you’re someone who experiences seasonal allergies, you’re likely aware of how seasonal allergies can mimic illness symptoms by causing symptoms like sore throats, coughing and sneezing. The body exhibits all kinds of different reactions to seasonal allergies, and the exact symptoms that one person experiences can differ from their friends based on how severe their allergy is. If you’re experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms like a sore throat and are in need ...

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Seasonal allergies can cause a plethora of uncomfortable symptoms. Itchy eyes are a very common symptom of environmental allergies, and having irritated eyes can make it difficult to function in your daily life. If you’re someone who suffers from seasonal allergies and are in need of relief, keep reading to learn about symptom management tips for seasonal allergies. At AFC Urgent Care Waltham, our walk-in urgent care clinic is available 7 days a week ...

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Ticks are common parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals like whitetail deer. However when tick populations soar in the warmer months, they often will jump onto humans as well. While tick bites are not necessarily painful, the tick can transmit diseases from other animals when they bite a person. Ticks can carry many different diseases, so it is vital to seek medical care if you suspect you have been bit by a ...

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Feeling sick, but not bedridden? Walking pneumonia is a milder case of pneumonia which often causes symptoms mild enough to continue your normal daily functions. However, just because you’re feeling up to fighting through your symptoms doesn’t mean you should. Walking pneumonia is caused by a bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and it often requires medical intervention to treat it effectively. This article will review several signs you shouldn’t ignore that might show ...

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Upper respiratory infections such as colds or the flu can cause irritating symptoms. One common symptom that often appears before other illness symptoms and resolves last is post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drip is a common condition that results from the over-production of mucus. It can cause irritation to the back of the throat and even lead to a cough. Keep reading to learn more about what causes post-nasal drip and how to treat it. If you ...

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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 believe that once you catch the flu, your body becomes immune to it forever. While recovering from the flu does provide short-term immunity to that specific strain, the virus constantly mutates, creating new variations each season. Similarly, if your body encounters the flu virus again after you have already had the flu, you still may get sick. However, your symptoms will likely be much milder. Understanding how flu immunity works and the role of ...

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Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. While norovirus primarily affects the digestive system, it can cause additional illness symptoms such as a fever while your body is fighting off the infection.  However, fever is not a defining symptom of norovirus and may not occur in every case. Keep reading to learn more about norovirus symptoms and treatment. If you’re feeling ...

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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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Coughing up mucus can be a sign of various underlying conditions, ranging from mild to severe. While occasional mucus production is normal and helps keep your airways moist and clear, persistent, discolored or excessive mucus may indicate a more serious issue. Conditions like bronchitis, pneumonia, or even chronic illnesses could be at play. If you are coughing up mucus, you should seek medical care for a diagnosis and treatment. At AFC Urgent Care Waltham, we ...

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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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Food poisoning symptoms can appear within hours or take several days to manifest, depending on the type of contaminant involved. Bacteria like “Salmonella,” “E. coli,” or “Listeria,” as well as viruses and toxins can all cause foodborne illnesses, each with varying onset times. In some cases, symptoms can appear within an hour of exposure while in others symptoms may not appear for 2 weeks after exposure. How long after exposure symptoms show up, and how ...

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