Recent Blog Posts

Why You Should See an Urgent Care Doctor for Wart Removal

October 2, 2023

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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Understanding The Risks Of RSV And The Flu: A Comprehensive Guide

October 1, 2023

As we dive into the colder months, it's crucial to understand the potential health risks that come along with it. It's not just the common cold and flu we need to be aware of but also the lesser-known yet equally perilous Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). While often mistaken for the flu due to their similar symptoms, RSV and the flu are distinct in several ways. With that being said, AFC Urgent Care West ...

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Sports Physicals: Getting Ready to Go Back to School

September 10, 2023

Back-to-school sports physicals are vital for student athletes. They ensure health and meet requirements. Urgent care clinics offer quick, comprehensive exams with convenience and confidentiality. AFC provides affordable physicals, prioritizing your child's well-being.

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

September 1, 2023

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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Can the Flu Shot Make You Sick? Why the Stick Can Make You Feel Ick

August 15, 2023

From 2010 to 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated there were 9.4 million to 41 million flu illnesses every year. But there is an easy way to protect yourself — the flu shot. Studies show that the severity of the flu is significantly less if you catch the flu but are vaccinated. The CDC says the flu vaccine reduces the risk of seeing a doctor for the flu by 40% to ...

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National Immunization Awareness Month: Build Your Child’s Immune System One Year At A Time!

August 14, 2023

As we celebrate "National Immunization Awareness Month" in August, it's the perfect time to prioritize your child's annual physical to ensure they are well-prepared for the upcoming school year. This isn't just any routine physical—it plays a crucial role in promoting immunization awareness and safeguarding your child's health. AFC Urgent Care West Springfield is committed to providing comprehensive care during back to school physicals, aligning with the mission of this ...

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Can You Get an STD Without Having Sex?

August 11, 2023

If you have an STD but haven't been sexually active, you may have contracted it through sharing needles, tattoos/piercings, blood transfusions, or other means. Some STDs are asymptomatic but can lead to serious health consequences if left untreated. AFC urgent care clinics offer confidential STD testing and treatment.

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A Deep Dive Into Swimmer’s Ear: The Symptoms, Treatments And Prevention Tips

July 5, 2023

Swimmer's ear, medically known as otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal, predominantly caused by water that remains in the ear after swimming. This persistent moisture provides an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply, leading to discomfort, redness, itching, and even a feeling of fullness in the ear. If left unchecked, swimmer's ear can develop into more serious infections, which is why it is essential to understand, prevent, and address ...

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Hand Foot and Mouth Disease: What It Looks Like for Adults & Kids

July 2, 2023

What does hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) look like? The symptoms can look different for kids and adults. See what the symptoms can be and how to treat them. What is Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease? HFMD is a common viral illness caused by the enterovirus, most commonly the coxsackievirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the disease primarily affects children under 5, but anyone, including adults, can contract it. It’s typically a mild illness. The disease ...

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Urgent Care for Broken Bones & Fractures: What Urgent Care Treats

June 12, 2023

If you have a broken bone or a fracture, urgent care may be able to help. Learn the different types of fractures (broken bones), what we treat, and when to go to the ER vs. urgent care. How Do You Know a Bone is Broken? Every year, millions of people break a bone. Broken bones typically result from a trauma like a fall, car accident, or sports injury. Medical conditions such as osteoporosis or repetitive ...

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5 Men's Health Concerns to Prioritize During Men's Health Month

May 31, 2023

June marks the celebration of Men's Health Month, a significant time to prioritize the well-being of our fathers, husbands, sons, brothers, and friends. During this month, let's commit to making small yet impactful changes that contribute to our overall health. It is crucial to prioritize self-care and Men's Health Month serves as an ideal starting point. AFC Urgent Care West Springfield aims to assist men with their health concerns by providing insights ...

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Here’s What Happens During a Physical for Sports Exam

May 11, 2023

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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It’s Deer Tick Season: Avoiding The Bite And Lyme Disease

May 3, 2023

Lyme disease has been a growing concern in the New England states for years, and Massachusetts is notorious for deer tick bites because these little guys think the woodlands and grassy plains of your favorite hiking spots are the best places for them to populate, latch onto you, and spread Lyme disease. The worst part is these black-legged ticks are so small and hard to spot on your body, making it a serious threat for ...

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Is My Lower Back and Leg Pain from COVID? AFC Answers

April 21, 2023

While it is possible to develop lower back and leg pain from COVID, there are also several other causes. As experts in urgent healthcare services, AFC in West Springfield indicates why you might be experiencing back pain after COVID and explains some other reasons you might have lower back pain.    Lower Back and Leg Pain from COVID Lower back pain is a possible symptom of COVID-19. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise, given ...

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What Is Mono and What Are the Symptoms?

April 14, 2023

So, what is mono, and what are the symptoms? American Family Care in West Springfield has answers, and treatment, for you.  Mononucleosis (mono) is an infectious viral disease most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but other viruses can also cause it. Also sometimes known as the “kissing disease,” mono is spread through saliva and can even be passed from person to person from sharing cutlery and utensils. According to the CDC, mono occurs mainly ...

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Telehealth Urgent Care | Technology in the Healthcare Industry

April 7, 2023

The healthcare industry has evolved to include telehealth urgent care, an innovative technology that has made it easier for people worldwide to access healthcare virtually.  This medical service offers faster urgent care visits through virtual appointments, providing services from physical exams to diagnostics, which allows healthcare providers to connect with patients remotely, providing care, support, and information from a distance. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility or transportation issues, with busy schedules ...

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April Is STD And STI Awareness Month: Get Yourself Tested!

March 31, 2023

  Since April is STD and STI awareness month, It’s a great opportunity to take the time to brush up on your sex education. As overwhelming as it may seem, the last thing you want is to have an untreated STD and STI  that could potentially become a serious health issue in the near future. You also don’t want to be the reason for an outbreak of an STD or STI; they are very ...

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Spring Allergies Came Early: Where’s The Relief?

March 6, 2023

If you have allergies or asthma, spring can be a challenging time of the year. Millions of people who suffer from spring allergies often come down with sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes and runny noses. But, could it also be COVID-19? Many of the symptoms often overlap and it can get very confusing. Since we had a warm winter, pollen levels may be heavier and longer lasting than expected. Pollen is the grains or tiny seeds ...

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Do Urgent Care Providers Offer On-Site Lab Services?

March 1, 2023

Urgent care providers offer convenient, time-saving alternatives to visiting an emergency room for minor, non-life-threatening medical conditions. These healthcare centers typically have shorter wait times and offer services like X-rays, urgent treatment of colds and flu, sprains, strains, and fractures, on-site lab tests, and physicals. Urgent care centers provide efficient diagnoses of various health problems, ranging from minor to severe. Some are also equipped with on-site lab testing capabilities so that patients can get results ...

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All Blocked Up? Here Are a Few Sinus Infection Cures

February 27, 2023

A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is a frustrating ailment that causes a runny nose, congestion, swollen and/or itching eyes, a sore throat, headaches, and other symptoms. While there isn’t necessarily a quick sinus infection cure, there are certainly ways that you can ease your discomfort and speed up your recovery.  If you’re suffering from sinusitis, know that you aren’t alone; approximately 90% of patients with colds have an element of viral ...

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