​​ In the world of contagious diseases, Influenza (commonly known as the flu) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are two names that often come up. Both are viral infections that mainly target the respiratory system and are notorious for their contagious nature. They share several common symptoms including coughing, fever, and a runny nose. However, it's essential to recognize that they also have distinct differences in their epidemiology, risk factors, and potential complications. AFC Urgent ...

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As we celebrate "National Immunization Awareness Month" in August, it's the perfect time to prioritize your child's annual physical to ensure they are well-equipped for the upcoming school year. This isn't just any routine physical—it plays a crucial role in promoting immunization awareness and safeguarding your child's health. AFC Urgent Care Springfield is committed to providing comprehensive care during back to school physicals, aligning with the mission of this important ...

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Splish splash, and now my ear hurts. Why?  Swimmer's ear, also known as otitis externa, is a prevalent infection that affects the outer ear canal. It occurs when bacteria or fungi thrive in a moist ear environment. While swimmers are commonly affected, it can also be caused by excessive sweating, humid conditions, or ear canal injuries. AFC Urgent Care Springfield understands the confusion around swimmer’s ear, and the concerns around getting it this ...

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If you have a broken bone or a fracture, urgent care may be able to help. Learn the different types of fractures (broken bones), what we treat, and when to go to the ER vs. urgent care. How Do You Know a Bone is Broken? Every year, millions of people break a bone. Broken bones typically result from a trauma like a fall, car accident, or sports injury. Medical conditions such as osteoporosis or repetitive ...

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Men's health concerns demand more attention and dialogue about ways to prevent them. Among the prevalent issues affecting men, heart disease, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer stand out as serious diseases responsible for millions of deaths each year. Given men's tendency to neglect medical appointments, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of regular check-ups, enabling early detection and treatment to prevent these health issues.  AFC Urgent Care Springfield strongly advocates for men ...

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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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  Deer ticks have been a growing concern in the Northeast for years and it has become a pesky situation for many of us trying to enjoy the outdoors. Spring and summer time are the peak times for ticks and because Massachusetts has a lot of woodlands, it makes it the perfect habitat for deer ticks to populate, latch onto you, and just be a pest. But deer ticks are more than just a pesky nuisance ...

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While it is possible to develop lower back and leg pain from COVID, there are also several other causes. As experts in urgent healthcare services, AFC in Springfield indicates why you might be experiencing back pain after COVID and explains some other reasons you might have lower back pain.    Lower Back and Leg Pain from COVID Lower back pain is a possible symptom of COVID-19. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise, given ...

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So, what is mono, and what are the symptoms? American Family Care in Springfield has answers, and treatment, for you.  Mononucleosis (mono) is an infectious viral disease most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but other viruses can also cause it. Also sometimes known as the “kissing disease,” mono is spread through saliva and can even be passed from person to person from sharing cutlery and utensils. According to the CDC, mono occurs mainly ...

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The healthcare industry has evolved to include telehealth urgent care, an innovative technology that has made it easier for people worldwide to access healthcare virtually.  This medical service offers faster urgent care visits through virtual appointments, providing services from physical exams to diagnostics, which allows healthcare providers to connect with patients remotely, providing care, support, and information from a distance. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility or transportation issues, with busy schedules ...

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