Recent Blog Posts

Vacations are a time for relaxation, adventure, and creating lasting memories with friends and family. Whether you are embarking on a tropical getaway, exploring a new city, or studying abroad, prioritizing your health and safety should be at the top of your travel checklist. To ensure a worry-free experience, it’s essential to prepare yourself as necessary. In this guide, we’ll explore a list of travel health tips from urgent care experts to help ...

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Seasonal allergies are a common occurrence, affecting millions of people around the world. As the seasons change and plants release pollen into the air, many individuals find themselves dealing with itchy eyes, runny noses, and sneezing fits. However, one symptom that often raises some concern when it comes to seasonal allergies is a cough. In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between allergies and coughing so you can better understand when it might be ...

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What Are the Bumps in the Back of My Throat?  Have you been wondering, ‘what are the bumps in the back of my throat?’ You could be dealing with cobblestone throat or tonsillitis.  Check-In Online What Are the Bumps in the Back of My Throat? If you've been feeling discomfort in your throat and have noticed red bumps in the back of the throat, you may be wondering what they are. Many people have experienced ...

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When your throat begins to feel scratchy and sore, it’s easy to jump to conclusions and assume it’s strep throat. Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that can cause discomfort and inconvenience. However, not all sore throats are indicative of strep. Understanding the differences between a regular sore throat and one caused by strep bacteria can help you make informed decisions about seeking medical care and treatment. For same-day sore/strep throat ...

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Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common and highly contagious eye condition that can affect people of all ages. Pink eye can cause uncomfortable symptoms that often leave people wondering how long they will last. Understanding the duration of pink eye can help alleviate concerns and guide appropriate treatment measures. In this blog, we’ll explore the signs of conjunctivitis, the duration of symptoms, and when to seek medical attention. For same-day pink ...

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Dehydration is a common condition that occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. It can occur during any point of the year– including the winter months. While most people know about the typical symptoms that dehydration is associated with, you may not be aware of the lesser-known symptoms, like nausea. In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between dehydration and nausea so you can better understand how to prevent it ...

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Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils. It’s often associated with symptoms like a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. However, one question that frequently arises is whether strep throat always causes a fever, or if the infection can develop without one. In this blog, we’ll explore the answer to that question as well as provide recommendations for when to seek a professional diagnosis and treatment plan. For ...

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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. Check-In Online What Is Telehealth Urgent Care? At its core ...

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Food Poisoning: When and Why to Visit AFC Elizabeth 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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When your ears start suddenly ringing, it can be alarming. That sudden, persistent noise– known as tinnitus– can range from a slight annoyance to a disruptive distraction. While it’s not often a cause for immediate concern, understanding why your ear might start suddenly ringing is an important aspect of knowing when it might be necessary to seek medical care. In this blog, we’ll explore a few main causes for sudden ear ringing and ...

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