Recent Blog Posts

In the past year, norovirus wreaked havoc on some cherished local restaurants, affecting numerous individuals in our community. Commonly referred to as the stomach flu or bug, norovirus is an intestinal virus that can lead to acute gastroenteritis. Highly contagious, it spreads through person-to-person contact, contaminated food and water, and tainted surfaces. With its prevalence during the winter, and considering the likelihood of historical recurrences, it is crucial to be informed on maintaining cleanliness and ...

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Telehealth is a broad term for tech-enabled healthcare services, while telemedicine specifically refers to remote medical services via video or other technology. Telehealth aims to improve healthcare access by meeting people where they are, while telemedicine focuses on remote diagnosis and treatment. Telehealth is becoming increasingly important in healthcare, offering convenience, cost-effectiveness, and improved access for vulnerable populations.

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Food poisoning symptoms range from mild to severe. While rest and hydration often help, urgent care is needed for persistent vomiting/diarrhea, severe pain, high fever, dehydration, or if you're in a high-risk group. Ignoring symptoms can lead to complications.

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If you constantly find yourself battling a cold during the winter holidays, it's plausible that you may have developed an allergy to Christmas trees. More specifically, your allergy could be linked to components associated with Christmas trees rather than the trees themselves. At AFC Urgent Care North Worcester, we explore the intricacies of Christmas Tree Syndrome and its potential impact on your holiday season.  AFC Urgent Care North Worcester is here to help you ...

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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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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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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 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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As November approaches, bringing an end to fall, colder weather, and holiday delights, it also marks American Diabetes Month. This is the perfect time to learn more about diabetes, an extremely common health issue in the United States. At AFC Urgent Care North Worcester, we've created a straightforward guide to help you navigate diabetes, including tips on how  to manage it, and the importance of keeping an eye on your blood sugar levels. Understanding ...

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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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