Spending time in the sun is a great way to enjoy outdoor activities, but protecting yourself from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is important. However, it’s essential to know the common signs and symptoms of sun poisoning and when to seek treatment. Whether you're planning a day at the beach, a hike in the mountains, or simply spending time in your own backyard, understanding the signs and risks of sun poisoning ...
In the sweltering heat of summer or during periods of intense physical activity, many of us have experienced the discomfort of heat rash symptoms. This common skin condition, also known as prickly heat or miliaria, can put a damper on our outdoor adventures and leave us itching and irritated. Understanding the symptoms and treatment options for heat rash is crucial to managing this condition and ensuring our skin stays healthy. Additionally, it’s essential to ...
As a parent, it can be difficult to know when your child's illness or injury requires urgent medical attention. Pediatric urgent care clinics are designed to provide immediate medical attention for children with non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries that require prompt treatment but are not severe enough to require a trip to the emergency room. These centers are designed to provide accessible care that is much more affordable than pediatrician or primary care physician visits ...
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 ...
What Causes Sinus Infections Your sinuses are the inner canals within your skull that connect your nose and other cavities of your head to each other. The purpose of your sinuses is to produce mucus which traps debris and viruses before they can reach your lungs and cause an infection or irritation. The sinuses increase airflow and help drain mucus into your nose and away from your lungs. This mucus also helps moisten the air ...
Although we are no longer living in a COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals have concluded that COVID viruses are here to stay. Much like other viruses, such as the flu, the COVID viruses mutate annually and tend to reappear during the colder winter months. Although most COVID viruses are less deadly than the strain that was infecting people during the pandemic, it may be worthwhile to get tested before traveling or seeing family. Learn more about ...
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 ...
Getting Strep Without Tonsils? Is It Possible? AFC Waltham MA 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 ...
Staying healthy during the busy winter holiday months can sometimes be a challenge. While traveling, you are exposed to a lot of germs. However, there are some simple steps you can keep in mind while you travel this holiday season to increase your chances of staying healthy. Common Cold Weather Illnesses During the colder winter months, viral infections are increasingly prevalent. This is the case for a few reasons. A common misconception regarding this trend ...
Food poisoning is a condition that can bring unpleasant symptoms. Understanding why it happens, how to prevent it, and what to do if you have it can all help expedite your recovery. Read this article to find out everything you need to know about food poisoning. Causes & Symptoms of Food Poisoning Food poisoning is caused by consuming food that is contaminated by a virus or bacteria. This contamination can happen in a variety of different ...
Being sick with the flu is never fun. However, it can be a serious risk to your health if you have other medical conditions that may cause your body not to be able to fight off the flu virus effectively. Learn about who is at risk for flu-related complications and how to stay protected this flu season. Common Symptoms of the Flu The flu is caused by a viral infection. It is very contagious through ...
In recent years, the number of Lyme Disease cases has been skyrocketing. This is due to a variety of factors, however, warming temperatures has resulted in ticks being able to survive for much more of the year, extending the at-risk period for bites. Read on to learn more about the risks of Lyme Disease and how to know whether you may have gotten a bite from a contaminated tick. What is Lyme Disease? Lyme Disease ...
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 ...
When flu season arrives, individuals often become concerned about the various symptoms associated with the influenza virus. In this article, we will explore the causes and symptoms of the flu and specifically address whether the flu can cause a sore throat. Additionally, we will discuss other illnesses that can lead to throat discomfort and the importance of seeking a professional diagnosis when necessary. Causes and symptoms of the flu The flu, caused by influenza viruses ...
For those who suffer from seasonal allergies, the arrival of fall can bring a host of discomforts. In this article, we will delve into the causes and symptoms of seasonal allergies during the fall, guide you on identifying your allergen triggers and offer practical tips for alleviating allergy symptoms. By understanding and managing your allergies effectively, you can enjoy the beauty of the autumn season without the inconvenience of allergic reactions. Causes And Symptoms Of ...
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 ...
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 ...
