When Should I Worry About Stomach Problems?

It’s safe to say that nearly every one of us will experience stomach pain at some point in our lives. Most of us experience it on a fairly regular basis, so when is stomach pain an actual cause for concern and not something to brush aside? Our AFC Urgent Care Hickory team provides some helpful answers below, so keep reading! What Causes Stomach Pain? A large number of problems can cause stomach pain. In ...

What Should I Know About Mono?

Mononucleosis, or “mono” for short, is a viral illness that is almost always transmitted through saliva and affects mainly teenagers and young adults. While the symptoms of mono can last for months in some cases, this viral infection isn’t usually thought of as a serious illness. Continue reading to learn more about mono from our AFC Urgent Care Hickory team. What Is Mono? Mono is a set of symptoms that can be caused by ...

Should I Be Concerned If My Child Gets Croup?

Croup is a common respiratory infection among children. It most often occurs in children between the ages of 3 months and 5 years old, and it will likely clear up within a week. Although serious croup complications are rare, croup is not something to take lightly. Our AFC Urgent Care of Hickory, NC team provides more info on this respiratory infection below, so keep reading! What Is Croup? Croup is a condition that irritates and ...

Will Untreated Strep Throat Cause Health Problems?

Did you know? There are between 11,000 and 13,000 strep throat cases in the U.S. every year. Thankfully, though, strep throat is highly treatable and typically isn’t a huge cause for concern. Even though it’s treatable, if strep throat is left untreated, it can cause potentially serious complications. Our AFC Urgent Care of Hickory, NC team provides some further information on strep throat and what can happen if it is ...

What Causes Bronchitis?

It seems like everyone is getting sick with respiratory illnesses lately, and bronchitis is yet another respiratory illness to add to the list. In fact, acute bronchitis is one of the most common respiratory illnesses—especially during cold and flu season—due to its contagious nature. There are actually two types of bronchitis—acute and chronic—and our AFC Urgent Care of Hickory, NC team highlights what you need to know about them below! What ...

How Bad Is It to Pull a Muscle?

Feeling that painful twinge in your lower back or neck can be scary. Many of us have likely experienced this feeling before, so how concerned should you be if you pull a muscle? Our AFC Urgent Care of Hickory, NC team is here to provide some helpful answers and information on muscle strains, so read on! How Severe Is a Pulled Muscle? Pulled muscles, or muscle strains, vary in severity. A muscle strain occurs when ...

What Should I Do If I Get a Kidney Infection?

A kidney infection is serious stuff. It’s possible to use some at-home remedies to ease pain and symptoms, but you should always go to a doctor first if you are afraid you have a kidney infection. Our AFC Urgent Care Hickory team provides more helpful information on kidney infections below, so read on! What Is a Kidney Infection? A kidney infection, medically known as pyelonephritis, is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that ...

What’s Important About My Child Getting a Sports Physical?

Thankfully, COVID-19 cases have been on a steady decline lately, so that means spring sports are beginning to return in full! However, before your child hits the fields and diamonds of Elon Park Elementary or Community House Middle, he or she needs a sports physical first! Why, you ask? Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Hickory team provides some answers. Why Does My Child Need a Sports Physical? Sports physicals help determine whether or ...

Do I Have Strep Throat?

Did you know? Between 11,000 and 24,000 Americans fall ill from strep throat every year, and many are beginning to feel its effects in our area. But, why? How does a person even get strep throat in the first place? Our team at AFC Urgent Care Hickory, NC has the answers you’re looking for, so read on. What Causes Strep Throat? Strep throat is caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes, or group ...