Recent Blog Posts

Seasonal allergies can be frustrating to manage. While adults can easily identify their symptoms and treat themselves, children who experience seasonal allergies may have a difficult time expressing their discomfort. While seasonal allergies and illnesses like colds may present similar symptoms, it is important to understand the difference between the two ailments so that you can treat your child effectively. Keep reading to learn more about identifying seasonal allergy symptoms in children so that you ...

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During the summer months bug bites are very common. There are many different kinds of insects that can cause irritation and itchy bug bites. While ticks do not often cause red and itchy bites, they can spread diseases when they bite. One of the most common tick-borne illnesses is Lyme disease, which occurs when a deer tick bites a human after biting an infected deer. Lyme disease can have many different symptoms, and early intervention ...

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Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness caused primarily by the "Borrelia Burgdorferi" bacterium, can lead to many symptoms. Left untreated, it can change from mild flu-like signs to severe neurological and joint complications. Fortunately, various treatment options are available to manage and eliminate the infection, especially when diagnosed early. If you’re bitten by a tick and are in need of rapid Lyme disease testing services, AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch can help. Our walk-in ...

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When it comes to your health, prevention and awareness are key, and that includes your sexual health. Annual STD testing might not seem like a priority, especially if you feel healthy or are in a committed relationship. However, the reality is that many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be asymptomatic for months or even years. Regular testing helps detect diseases early, protects your partners, and supports public health efforts to reduce transmission rates. Whether you ...

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Seasonal allergies affect over 81 million people in the United States. Although some lucky individuals do not suffer from seasonal allergies in the spring, for most, the start of spring and the arrival of warmer weather is a bittersweet time. Spring allergy symptoms can fluctuate in severity based on what you’re allergic to and how often you’re exposed to your allergens. Keep reading to learn more about seasonal allergies and how to treat ...

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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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Norovirus is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects your gastrointestinal system. Norovirus symptoms typically last between one to three days, with most people recovering within 48 hours. Norovirus symptoms usually begin with sudden onset nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, often accompanied by fever and body aches. While symptoms are usually short-lived, dehydration can be a concern, especially for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Understanding the typical duration of ...

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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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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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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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Stomach pain after eating can be a cause for concern, especially if it happens frequently. Learn more about treating frequent and occasional stomach pain. Save Your Spot Table of Contents Potential Causes and Treatments Upper Stomach vs. Lower Stomach Pain What To Do If Other Symptoms, like Diarrhea, Accompany the Stomach Pain What Do I Do If My Stomach Pain After Eating is Frequent? When Do I Need to See a Medical Provider? Potential Causes and Treatments ...

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Ear bleeding can be a sign of serious medical problems, especially if you’ve fallen or had head trauma. Explore potential ear bleeding causes and treatments. Save Your Spot Table of Contents Middle or Outer Ear Infection Head Trauma or Falling Torn or Ruptured Eardrum Foreign Object Barotrauma Other Infections Other Symptoms To Watch For When To Visit a Healthcare Provider Visit Your Local AFC Middle or Outer Ear Infection Infections in the ear, whether in the ...

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A lingering cough after a cold can be irritating and exhausting. Use these tips to get rid of your residual cough. Table of Contents What Causes a Lingering Cough How to Get Rid of a Chronic Cough Medications to Try When to See a Provider Visit Your Local AFC What Causes a Lingering Cough One of the most common causes of a chronic cough is a postnasal drip caused by allergies or a cold. Plus ...

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During the winter season, viral infections tend to spread quickly. This is because being indoors reduces air ventilation and increases close contact with others, increasing your chances of picking up a virus during your daily routine. While winter illness season may automatically make you think of congestion or a cough, there are other infections circulating. One common viral infection is norovirus, also commonly called the stomach flu. Norovirus is a contagious viral infection that causes ...

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Cold and flu season is a hot topic of discussion once summer comes to an end. No one wants to get sick, but the flu specifically can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms including a fever, body aches, congestion, sore throat, and more. The flu is highly contagious, so it is important to take the appropriate steps to prevent cases of the flu, as well as know how to treat it if you do get ...

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Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, including our bedtime routines. Many people use electronic devices right before bed, whether scrolling through social media, watching TV, or responding to emails, leading to much research into the relationship between technology and sleep. Join us as we explore how technology affects sleep, debunk common myths, and offer practical tips for creating a more restful, tech-free sleep environment. Table of Contents How Technology and Sleep ...

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Burns can happen in a split second. They are very common injuries, especially around the holiday season when people are spending more time in the kitchen than usual. It is easy to become distracted and find yourself accidentally grabbing a hot pan with your bare hands. Acting fast and knowing the proper steps to take if you burn yourself can help ensure that you treat your injury effectively and prevent infection. If you’re in ...

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