Few illnesses come on as abruptly as norovirus. One moment you may feel completely fine, and the next you’re dealing with intense nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If symptoms develop suddenly and spread quickly among family members, coworkers, or classmates, norovirus is often the cause. Commonly referred to as the “stomach flu,” norovirus is not related to influenza. Instead, it’s a highly contagious virus that affects the stomach and intestines, causing inflammation known as ...
A day on the mountain can quickly turn from fun to painful after a fall or collision. Skiing and snowboarding place stress on joints, bones, and muscles, especially when speed, uneven terrain, or icy conditions are involved. Fortunately, many common injuries can be evaluated and treated quickly at urgent care. Knowing which injuries urgent care can manage, and which require emergency services, can help you make the right decision quickly after an accident. Need rapid ...
Getting a flu shot is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself during flu season, but many people are unsure how quickly it actually works. If you’ve recently been vaccinated, or are planning to get your shot, you may be wondering when you’ll be fully protected and what to expect in the days following vaccination. Understanding how long it takes for the flu shot to become effective can help you make ...
Chest tightness is a symptom that can quickly cause concern, especially when it develops during an illness. While most people associate the flu with fever, body aches, cough, and fatigue, some individuals also experience chest tightness. This often leads to an important question: Is chest tightness a symptom of the flu? In some cases yes, but it’s important to understand why it happens and when it may signal something more serious. For same-day flu ...
Ear infections are common, especially in children, but adults can get them too. One of the most noticeable signs is fever, which often prompts patients to wonder: Is this normal, or should I be concerned? Understanding how fever relates to ear infection can help you know when to manage symptoms at home and when it might be necessary to seek urgent care. For same-day ear infection treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care ...
Nausea is often associated with stomach bugs, but many people are surprised to feel sick to their stomach when they have the flu. If you’re dealing with nausea alongside body aches, fever, or respiratory symptoms, it can be hard to tell whether you’re dealing with influenza or a gastrointestinal illness. While nausea is more commonly linked to stomach bugs, it can be a symptom of the flu, especially in children and some adults ...
If you or your child has just been diagnosed with strep throat, one of the first questions that comes up is how long the illness is contagious. That concern makes sense, since strep throat spreads quickly (especially in schools, workplaces, and households). Understanding the contagious period of strep throat can help you protect others and know when it’s safe to resume your normal routine. In this blog, we’ll explore how strep spreads, when ...
The start of a new year often brings a renewed focus on health, wellness, and personal goals. For many people, weight loss tops the list. But after countless diets, quick fixes, and failed attempts, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start. This is where medically supervised weight loss programs can make a real difference. These programs offer structured support tailored to your health, lifestyle, and goals. With medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide ...
Getting through the worst of the flu is a relief– the fever breaks, the body aches subside, and the fatigue slowly fades. But for many people, one symptom sticks around long after others are gone: a cough. A lingering cough after the flu is common and can last for days or even weeks. While it can be frustrating, in most cases it’s part of the natural healing process. In this blog, we’ll explore ...
When sinus pressure, congestion, and sneezing hit, it can be tough to know what’s causing your symptoms. Is it seasonal allergies acting up, or could it be a sinus infection? Because the symptoms often overlap, many patients aren’t sure how to tell the difference. Knowing which one you’re dealing with matters, since allergies and sinus infections require different approaches to treatment. Keep reading to learn more about identifying your symptoms and when ...
The flu, or influenza, is a common but serious viral infection that can cause days of discomfort and missed school or work. One of the most recognizable signs of the flu is fever, often accompanied by chills, headaches, and muscle aches. While a fever is your body’s way of fighting infection, it can be uncomfortable and sometimes concerning if it lingers. In this blog, we’ll explore how long a fever typically lasts with ...
Whether you’re swimming in a pool, lake, or ocean, an itchy ear afterward is a surprisingly common complaint. While the sensation may seem harmless at first, recurring or intense itching could point to an underlying issue that requires medical attention. If you’ve noticed this problem more than once, it’s helpful to understand the potential causes and how to treat or prevent them. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of swimming-related ...
Being sick is uncomfortable, and adding back pain to the mix of symptoms can make recovery even harder. Whether you’re dealing with a respiratory infection, stomach virus, or something else– body aches are common, and the back is often one of the first places you’ll feel it. Understanding why back pain occurs during illness, and how to treat it, can help you feel better faster. Continue reading to learn more about the causes ...
Summer is the peak season for outdoor fun– but it’s also the prime time for tick bites and the potential for Lyme disease. Whether you’re hiking, gardening, or playing in grassy areas, ticks can latch onto the skin and transmit infections without being noticed right away. One of the most concerning illnesses spread by ticks is Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that can cause serious long-term health issues if left untreated. In this ...
If you’ve ever spent time outdoors on a hot summer day and suddenly felt nauseous, you’re not alone. Nausea in hot weather is a common complaint, especially during heat waves or after physical activity in high temperatures. While it may seem surprising, your body’s response to heat stress can affect your digestive system and trigger nausea, dizziness, fatigue, or even vomiting. Understanding why this happens and what you can do about it ...
Poison ivy is one of the most common causes of skin rashes, especially during the warmer months when people spend more time outdoors. If you or someone you know develops an itchy, red rash after hiking, gardening, or camping, poison ivy is often to blame. But once that rash appears, a common question arises– can poison ivy spread from one person to another? Despite what many people think, poison ivy rashes are not contagious in ...
It’s allergy season, and like many people, you’ve stocked up on over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, or decongestants to keep symptoms in check. But what happens when the sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and sinus pressure won’t go away despite taking your allergy meds? This experience is more common than you might think. While many allergy medications are effective, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. In this blog, we’ll break down the most ...
A throbbing head, pressure behind your eyes, and a stuffy nose– if that sounds familiar, you may be dealing with a sinus headache. These headaches often go hand-in-hand with sinus infections or inflammation, but they’re frequently mistaken for other types of headaches, such as migraines or tension headaches. Understanding the difference can help you get the right treatment and much-needed relief. Keep reading to learn more about sinus headaches and when it might be ...
Minor cuts and scrapes are a normal part of life– but some wounds need more than just a bandage and antiseptic. Knowing when a cut requires medical attention and possible stitches is crucial to prevent infection, reduce scarring, and promote proper healing. So how can you tell the difference between a cut you can treat at home and one that needs stitches? In this blog, we’ll share six signs to watch for and what ...
A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is known for causing congestion, facial pressure, and headaches, but can it also lead to body aches? The answer is yes– especially if the infection is severe or prolonged. Body aches during a sinus infection are often a sign that your immune system is working hard to fight off the infection. In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between sinusitis and body aches, as well as when it might ...
