Recent Blog Posts

Can You Get Strep Without Tonsils?

Getting Strep Without Tonsils? Is It Possible? AFC Athens AL 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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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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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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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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Can the Flu Shot Make You Sick? Why the Stick Can Make You Feel Ick

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?

I Have an STD, But I'm Not Sexually Active If you have contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD) but are not sexually active, there are a few reasons why this could be the case. "STD" refers to the constellation of diseases that result from a sexually transmitted infection (STI). For example, cervical cancer is an STD from the STI of HPV. Though it is possible to contract an STI even if you are not ...

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What Symptoms Indicate an STD?

Contracting an STD is a common issue across the country! While the nature of the illness can be sensitive, it should be treated just like any other illness you come down with. Testing for it and treating your symptoms will help prevent the STD from getting worse, and it stops the spread from person to person. Your sexual health impacts your overall health, so you should always make it a priority. Getting tested for STDs ...

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

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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What Do I Do if I Have the Flu?

Influenza can make you feel really sick. Even if you took all of the recommended precautions like getting your flu shot and avoiding anyone who is ill, there is always the chance that you will fall ill. If you do, your main focus should always be to take care of your body and rest so your body can work hard to help you feel better! Below our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team outlines the ...

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What Does It Feel Like to Have an Infection?

At this time of year, there are many ways that you and your family can become sick. Since there are many different types of infections circulating about, it is important to know exactly what you are suffering from so you can treat it in the most efficient way. Infections can range from a mild common cold all the way to a severe or life-threatening case of pneumonia. We want you to stay healthy all season ...

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What Kind of Cough Indicates Bronchitis or Pneumonia?

Do you have a cough that just won’t quit? It could be the beginning of a lung infection! Infections are certainly common this time of year, so experiencing an illness like bronchitis or pneumonia is always a possibility. Like the majority of infections, bronchitis and pneumonia can often be treated at home with rest and OTC medication, but serious or severe infections need to be addressed right away. Get the facts about bronchitis and ...

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Who Can Develop Seasonal Affective Disorder?

It is more important than ever to keep an eye on your mental health. After the eventful few years we have all had, it can be normal to experience a wide range of feelings and emotions. While the occasional feeling of sadness or loneliness is usually nothing to be concerned with, lingering or severe feelings of isolation can indicate a need to investigate further. In the fall and winter months, seasonal affective disorder symptoms tend ...

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Can Adults Get Ear Infections?

If you have children, you probably know all about ear infections! Middle ear infections are one of the most common forms of illness in children. They are so common, in fact, that most children have at least one before they turn 3. While it is true that ear infections are more common in children than adults, it is still possible to experience one as you age. Our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team explains what ...

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AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN: Your Hometown Resource for Quality Care

Over the past few years, the healthcare industry has experienced a great upheaval. With all of the changes, restrictions and social distancing, many processes were changed or even halted. The pandemic’s emergency status is set to expire when May arrives, so many of these processes will go back to normal. These changes will affect telemedicine and virtual visits across the entire country. But don’t worry, we aren’t going anywhere. An in-person visit ...

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What Can AFC Do for My Allergies?

Believe or not, allergy season is upon us once more. While we are enjoying the warmer temperatures and blooming trees and flowers, chances are that your allergy symptoms are making a comeback in a big way. Common allergens like tree, grass and weed pollen are responsible for many people’s symptoms. While seasonal allergies are not life-threatening, they can certainly make you feel miserable! Our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team is here to explain ...

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What Foods Should My Kids Eat for Stronger Bones?

As parents and caregivers, you know that feeding your kids can sometimes feel like a full-time job! Some days, they love certain foods, and other days, they won’t touch them. It’s always an adventure with little ones. It can be easy to fall into a routine and reliable foods for your children, but it is important to mix up their diet to ensure they are getting the proper nutrients, vitamins and minerals to ...

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What Are Some Ways to Protect My Skin in the Summer?

We are ready to enjoy a beautiful summer season here in east Tennessee! With all of the family fun, warm sunny days and community events, summer is definitely one of our favorite seasons in Athens. That said, we know how important it is to take care of our skin during this time of the year, and we want you to protect your skin from the sun as well! Our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team ...

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