Recent Blog Posts

Urgent Care vs Emergency Room: The Key Differences

What is an urgent care clinic? And how does it differ from the emergency room? When should you go to the emergency room, and when should you go to an urgent care center? Whatever questions you may have, American Family Care has the answers. What Is An Urgent Care Clinic? Urgent care is the level of healthcare that lies between your primary care physician (PCP) and the emergency room. When you go to urgent care ...

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Itchy Throat Remedies: What Causes It & 6 Ways to Make it Stop

An itchy throat is a common symptom that can have a variety of causes. It can make daily living uncomfortable as it’s difficult to talk or swallow with an irritated throat. Explore itchy throat remedies that can help soothe symptoms from allergies or other itchy throat causes. Causes of an Itchy Throat A number of factors can cause an irritated throat. Allergies and viral infections are the most common. Some of the other common ...

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Common Symptoms of Sun Poisoning

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 ...

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Heat Rash Symptoms and Treatment

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 ...

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When to Take Your Child to Pediatric Urgent Care

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 ...

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Debunking Cold and Flu Season Myth

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 ...

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Is Going to Urgent Care Like Going to the Emergency Room?

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 ...

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Can You Get Strep Without Tonsils?

Getting Strep Without Tonsils? Is It Possible? AFC West Long Branch 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 ...

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What is Walking Pneumonia?

With winter illness season just around the corner, it is important to understand the early symptoms of illnesses for fast diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention could stop symptoms before they manifest. Learn about walking pneumonia, how to identify the early symptoms, and available courses of treatment. Common Causes & Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or even mold exposure. Exposure to any of these irritants can ...

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Why Do I Feel More Tired When It's Cold Outside?

With daylight savings time now behind us, you may notice that darkness is upon us much earlier in the day than before. Along with this, late fall is peak cold and flu season. Learn about how these factors can lead to feeling more fatigued compared to summer months. Common Reasons for Fatigue During Winter Winter is a time of festivity, gathering, and tradition. However, in many areas of the United States, it also is a ...

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Here Are the Facts: Can Bronchitis Turn Into Pneumonia?

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 ...

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What Are the Degrees of Burns? A Guide to Identifying Burns

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 ...

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Fall Foods that Support Your Immune System

Managing your health can sometimes seem like an overwhelming task. During the fall, when illnesses tend to spread more frequently than the warm summer months, it can seem like you are always suffering from an illness. Eating well can have a huge impact on your overall health, and even boost your immunity which can help your body better prepare for fall illnesses. Learn more about how you can use food to boost your immunity this ...

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Common Skin Conditions You May See this Fall

With the weather beginning to cool down, illnesses tend to become more apparent. With the colder weather, you may also notice some differences in your health such as some skin irritation. Learn about why your skin gets irritated in the colder months and how to manage the symptoms.  Common Skin Conditions In Fall Cooler weather brings plenty of unwanted side effects such as an increase in overall disease due to viruses like the cold and ...

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Urgent Care Experts Offer Alternatives to Phenylephrine

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 ...

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Why You Should See an Urgent Care Doctor for Wart Removal

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 ...

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How to Avoid Common Illnesses this September

September signals the transition from summer to fall, bringing unique health challenges. As the weather shifts and kids head back to school, various illnesses become more prevalent. In this article, we'll explore the common illnesses to watch out for in September. We’ll review their symptoms, provide prevention tips, and discuss when to seek treatment. For general illness diagnosis and care, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch. Let's ...

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How to Manage Allergy Symptoms This Fall

As the leaves start to change and the air becomes crisper, many people eagerly anticipate the beauty of the fall season. However, for those who suffer from seasonal allergies, autumn can bring a different kind of anticipation - one filled with sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. In this article, we'll explore what causes fall allergies, discuss the allergy and pollen forecast for 2023, and provide tips on how to prepare for the allergy season. Find ...

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Sports Physicals: Getting Ready to Go Back to School

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 ...

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Pain in the Lower Left Side of the Abdomen for Females: What Is it?

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 ...

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