Recent Blog Posts

Although we are no longer living in a COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals have concluded that COVID viruses are here to stay. Much like other viruses, such as the flu, the COVID viruses mutate annually and tend to reappear during the colder winter months. Although most COVID viruses are less deadly than the strain that was infecting people during the pandemic, it may be worthwhile to get tested before traveling or seeing family. Learn more about ...

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Is an Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic Like Going to the ER? If you find yourself with an emergency medical condition that needs to be dealt with, it can often become an overwhelming situation. Thoughts of long waits, expensive treatments, and procedures at a hospital emergency room (ER) may cross your mind. However, the ER isn't always your only option - have you ever considered visiting an urgent care walk-in clinic? Urgent care clinics like AFC ...

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Getting Strep Without Tonsils? Is It Possible? AFC Waltham MA Has Answers for You Is getting strep without tonsils possible? The short answer is yes. Strep throat is caused by a particular strain of bacteria, group A Streptococcus. These bacteria can live in the nose and mouth.  The bacteria are spread through an infected person's saliva or mucus and contact with contaminated surfaces and objects. A person without tonsils can contract the infection if ...

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Can Bronchitis Turn Into Pneumonia?  Can bronchitis turn into pneumonia? In some cases, this happens when the inflammation of the bronchial tubes persists for some time and is not treated properly, leading to a bacterial or viral infection that can cause pneumonia.  When bronchitis becomes severe, the tiny hair-like structures (cilia) that line the bronchi can become damaged, making it difficult for mucus to clear from the lungs. This trapped mucus creates a breeding ground ...

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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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Staying healthy during the busy winter holiday months can sometimes be a challenge. While traveling, you are exposed to a lot of germs. However, there are some simple steps you can keep in mind while you travel this holiday season to increase your chances of staying healthy. Common Cold Weather Illnesses During the colder winter months, viral infections are increasingly prevalent. This is the case for a few reasons. A common misconception regarding this trend ...

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Food poisoning is a condition that can bring unpleasant symptoms. Understanding why it happens, how to prevent it, and what to do if you have it can all help expedite your recovery. Read this article to find out everything you need to know about food poisoning. Causes & Symptoms of Food Poisoning Food poisoning is caused by consuming food that is contaminated by a virus or bacteria. This contamination can happen in a variety of different ...

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Being sick with the flu is never fun. However, it can be a serious risk to your health if you have other medical conditions that may cause your body not to be able to fight off the flu virus effectively. Learn about who is at risk for flu-related complications and how to stay protected this flu season. Common Symptoms of the Flu The flu is caused by a viral infection. It is very contagious through ...

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In recent years, the number of Lyme Disease cases has been skyrocketing. This is due to a variety of factors, however, warming temperatures has resulted in ticks being able to survive for much more of the year, extending the at-risk period for bites. Read on to learn more about the risks of Lyme Disease and how to know whether you may have gotten a bite from a contaminated tick. What is Lyme Disease? Lyme Disease ...

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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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Why You Should See an Urgent Care Doctor for Wart Removal Home remedies for warts might not be as effective as you hope, so we recommend seeing an urgent care doctor for wart removal to treat these pesky growths at their source. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can appear almost anywhere on the body, causing both physical discomfort and self-consciousness. This article takes you through everything you need to know about ...

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When flu season arrives, individuals often become concerned about the various symptoms associated with the influenza virus. In this article, we will explore the causes and symptoms of the flu and specifically address whether the flu can cause a sore throat. Additionally, we will discuss other illnesses that can lead to throat discomfort and the importance of seeking a professional diagnosis when necessary. Causes and symptoms of the flu The flu, caused by influenza viruses ...

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For those who suffer from seasonal allergies, the arrival of fall can bring a host of discomforts. In this article, we will delve into the causes and symptoms of seasonal allergies during the fall, guide you on identifying your allergen triggers and offer practical tips for alleviating allergy symptoms. By understanding and managing your allergies effectively, you can enjoy the beauty of the autumn season without the inconvenience of allergic reactions. Causes And Symptoms Of ...

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Sports Physicals: Getting Ready to Go Back to School Before hitting the field, court, or track, there's a crucial checkpoint that ensures the well-being of our student-athletes: sports physicals.  These check-ups are a proactive approach to safeguarding the health and performance of young athletes. They not only fulfill school and sports league requirements but also serve as a comprehensive assessment to detect and prevent potential health issues. Save Your Spot The Importance of Sports Physicals Physicals ...

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Pain in the lower left side of the abdomen in females can indicate unique problems related to women’s health. Learn more about what can cause pain and when to seek medical attention. Where is the pain coming from? There are many organs on the left side of the abdomen. When experiencing lower left side pain, it could be coming from one of these organs, according to the Cleveland Clinic: Small intestine Colon Appendix Ovaries ...

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From 2010 to 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated there were 9.4 million to 41 million flu illnesses every year. But there is an easy way to protect yourself — the flu shot. Studies show that the severity of the flu is significantly less if you catch the flu but are vaccinated. The CDC says the flu vaccine reduces the risk of seeing a doctor for the flu by 40% to ...

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Playgrounds are the essence of youthful fun and exploration, with children laughing, playing, and having experiences. But despite the celebration, the possibility of child harm cannot be disregarded. The worst thing for any parent to see is their child in agony, primarily due to an accident on the playground. To protect the health of our little explorers, it is essential to know when to seek urgent care for pediatric injuries received on the playground. For ...

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Pneumonia is a respiratory tract disorder caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This disorder can be fatal and cause death if left untreated. The time period of pneumonia depends upon different factors like its type, treatment effectiveness, and the patient's overall health. In most cases, the improvement starts in 3-4 days due to a proper regimen of antibiotics and takes 7-10 days for recovery. The complete recovery, including chest relaxation, lungs clearance, and ...

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I Have an STD, But I'm Not Sexually Active If you have contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD) but are not sexually active, there are a few reasons why this could be the case. "STD" refers to the constellation of diseases that result from a sexually transmitted infection (STI). For example, cervical cancer is an STD from the STI of HPV. Though it is possible to contract an STI even if you are not ...

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Allergies can affect people throughout the entire year– even into the early fall. They cause a range of symptoms that can cause serious discomfort. While sneezing and itchy eyes may be a more common symptom associated with seasonal allergies, what about ear pain and pressure? In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between allergies and ear-related issues and outline treatment options so you know when to get medical care. For same-day seasonal allergy treatment ...

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