Recent Blog Posts

When it comes to sexual health, getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STDs and STIs) is an essential step in maintaining overall well-being. Whether you are experiencing symptoms or simply want peace of mind, knowing where to turn for testing and treatment is crucial. Urgent care centers have become convenient and accessible options for a wide range of medical services, and you may be wondering if they provide STD testing. In this blog ...

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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious respiratory virus that feels like a common cold and occurs seasonally. While many people experience mild symptoms, certain individuals face a high risk of experiencing severe RSV symptoms and complications. If you are currently battling RSV and you are worried if it goes away without treatment, here's all you need to know. For same-day RSV testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care ...

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"Walking pneumonia" is a non-medical term used to refer to a mild case of pneumonia. The medical term to describe this is "atypical pneumonia", a condition caused by certain kinds of microorganisms, most commonly a bacterium called Mycoplasma pneumonia. This kind of pneumonia does not require bed rest as affected people can still go about their regular activities, hence the term "walking pneumonia." However, don't be fooled by the term as it can still ...

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Winter is the time when people look forward to the holidays and often decide to travel. It is a season where we enjoy spending time with our families and friends to explore other cities or even countries. However, winter comes with chills, an increase in germs, sickness, and potential injuries. The combination of changing climates and the usual time of year when people tend to fall ill can greatly affect many individuals, causing them to ...

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Ankle pain can occur quickly and sometimes all of a sudden. A sprained ankle occurs when one or more ligaments in the ankle are injured. Minor sprains may result from stretching and irritating the ligaments, whereas more severe sprains can lead to complete tearing of the ligaments. Sprains can vary in severity, and a slight sprain might only result in mild pain for a day or two. However, even if a mild sprain starts feeling ...

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Is There a Difference Between Telemedicine and Telehealth Urgent Care? Telehealth urgent care and telemedicine are terms that are often  used interchangeably but actually have some distinct differences. Telehealth is an umbrella term that refers to the use of technology in a variety of healthcare services, while telemedicine is a specific type of telehealth service that involves remote clinical services between a doctor and a patient. Save Your Spot What Is Telehealth Urgent Care? At its core ...

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Food Poisoning: When and Why to Visit AFC West Orange NJ Food poisoning is an unwelcome and often unpredictable health concern that can strike when we least expect it. Defined as an illness caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages, it can manifest as various symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe gastrointestinal distress. While some cases resolve on their own with rest and hydration, there are instances where seeking prompt medical attention becomes crucial. ${custom_link_1_title ...

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There are nearly 3.4 million truck drivers in the United States, according to a 2020 survey by the American Trucking Associations. Most truck drivers must pass a Department of Transportation Physical (DOT Physical) to keep a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). If you’re wondering what a DOT physical is, here’s what to expect during one. Understanding What a DOT Physical Is The U.S. Department of Transportation sets the DOT physical ...

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Physical for sports exams, also known as pre-participation physical examinations (PPEs), help determine whether a person is physically fit to participate in organized sports activities. This physical exam aims to identify any possible medical conditions that could put the athlete at risk for severe injury or illness during practice or competition. Sports physicals are typically done annually, though some states may require more frequent exams based on age and the type of sport being played ...

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Are you wondering if you have genital herpes or a vaginal yeast infection? Learn the common signs of genital herpes vs. vaginal yeast infections so you know what to discuss with your doctor. What is Herpes? Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by two types of viruses — herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). In addition, there are genital and oral herpes. Unfortunately, both are chronic ...

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You’re at soccer practice for your son, and he trips and falls on his arm and is immediately in pain. While your first thought might not be, “How much is an x-ray?” there are a few things to consider when choosing where to go for treatment. Before you visit an ER for an x-ray, you may want to consider the cost. Here’s what ER x-rays cost vs. urgent care x-rays, including x-ray cost ...

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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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Diseases and infections come in different forms and have various symptoms. But have you ever considered that your constant fatigue might be a symptom of a disease? One such transmissible disease is Mononucleosis. Mononucleosis, or Mono, is known for causing sore throat and fever but also comes with never-ending fatigue. But how long will the fatigue take to last? For that, you have to understand the causes, symptoms, and lasting duration.  For same-day mono testing ...

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No one wants to spend the holidays under the weather. So, it’s important to get your flu shot before the festive season! The cold and flu season peaks between December and January, making influenza vaccination more important than ever. Flu shots not only protect yourself against the virus, but protect more vulnerable individuals who are prone to flu-related complications and hospitalization. Get a walk-in flu shot at AFC Urgent Care West Orange! We provide ...

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