Recent Blog Posts

When to Take Your Child to Pediatric Urgent Care

December 8, 2023

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

December 6, 2023

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?

December 1, 2023

Urgent care centers offer fast, convenient medical care for non-emergency illnesses and injuries. They are open extended hours and provide a cost-effective alternative to the ER. They also bridge the gap between primary and specialty care, streamlining referrals and follow-up treatments.

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Minor Burn Treatment Options at Urgent Care

November 20, 2023

Between the hustle and bustle of the holidays, the travel, and the emphasis on cooking during the holiday season, the holidays are a common time for minor burns. Although no one ever intends to injure themselves, it is important to understand your options if a minor burn does occur so that you can get appropriate treatment. Learn about burn symptoms, categories, and where to seek treatment for minor burns. How to Know If a Burn ...

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The Difference Between Cold & Flu Symptoms

November 20, 2023

Fall and winter are peak cold and flu season. Although the common cold is a relatively minor illness, it shares many symptoms with the early stages of the flu. This makes it important to understand how they both impact your body so that you can seek treatment early and prevent severe symptoms from manifesting. Cold & Flu Causes Although distinctly different illnesses, the common cold and the flu actually have similar origins: they both stem from ...

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Can You Get Strep Without Tonsils?

November 14, 2023

Is getting strep without tonsils possible? Yes. Strep throat is caused by bacteria that can live in the nose and mouth, spread through saliva or contact with contaminated surfaces. Strep throat symptoms include sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, red/swollen tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes. Tonsillitis and strep throat are different. Strep throat is caused by bacteria, while tonsillitis can be caused by bacteria or a virus. If you think you have tonsillitis or strep throat, visit an urgent care center for diagnosis and treatment.

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Here Are the Facts: Can Bronchitis Turn Into Pneumonia?

November 10, 2023

Bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, can sometimes develop into pneumonia if left untreated. This is more likely in individuals with weakened immune systems. Pneumonia is a lung infection with symptoms such as cough, chest pain, chills, and fever. Both conditions require medical attention, but treatments differ depending on the cause and severity.

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

November 7, 2023

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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Tips for Avoiding a Cold this Fall

October 15, 2023

Having a cold can make it difficult to go about your daily life comfortably. With no real treatment options available except for rest and over the counter medications, avoiding a cold this fall is the best way to ensure you’re feeling your best. Find out how to fight off the irritating symptoms of a cold and how to avoid catching one in the first place. What Causes a Cold A cold is a viral ...

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Is a Cough Always Contagious?

October 15, 2023

Having a cough can be an annoying symptom to manage. Sometimes, a cough can be a tell-tale warning sign to stay away from someone because they’re sick. Other times, coughing is just a reflex. Read on to learn more about the causes of coughs and when to seek medical attention for them. What Causes a Cough? Simply put, a cough is just a reflex. Coughing is triggered subconsciously by your body to clear your ...

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Urgent Care Experts Offer Alternatives to Phenylephrine

October 7, 2023

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

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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What To Expect From the 2023 Fall Allergy Season

September 14, 2023

As the calendar turns to fall in 2023, many individuals brace themselves for the arrival of seasonal allergies. The autumn months bring unique allergens that can leave allergy sufferers reaching for tissues and antihistamines. In this article, we'll explore fall allergy causes, symptoms, and triggers, shedding light on what to expect from the 2023 fall allergy season. We'll also provide insights into this year's allergy and pollen forecast and offer valuable advice ...

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Are You More Likely to Get Sick When The Seasons Change?

September 13, 2023

As the seasons transition, many wonder if they are more susceptible to illnesses during these shifts. This article will explore why people get sick when the seasons change. Additionally, we'll provide some valuable tips on staying healthy and preventing illness. Lastly, we'll discuss the healthcare options available at urgent care centers to address seasonal health concerns. Reasons Why People Get Sick During Changing Seasons Seasonal changes, especially the transition from summer to fall ...

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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 UTI Symptoms Linger After Treatment?

August 22, 2023

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health issue that can cause a fair level of discomfort and inconvenience. While prompt treatment with antibiotics is generally effective in relieving symptoms and clearing the infection, it’s not uncommon for some individuals to experience lingering symptoms– even after completing a full course of antibiotics. In this blog, we’ll explore why UTI symptoms may persist after treatment and what steps you can take to address this ...

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Do I Need The Pneumococcal Vaccine?

August 21, 2023

In the world of preventive healthcare, vaccinations have come a long way in combating various diseases that once posed significant threats to public health. One vaccine that often raises questions is the pneumococcal vaccine. Who needs it? What does it prevent? In this blog, we’ll delve into what a pneumococcal vaccine is, who should consider getting it, and why it’s an important aspect of safeguarding your health! For same-day vaccinations, visit the walk-in ...

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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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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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