Recent Blog Posts

Holiday travel is an exciting time to reconnect with loved ones, explore new destinations, and take a well-deserved break. However, it’s also a peak season for colds, the flu, and other contagious illnesses. With airports, buses, and trains filled with travelers, germs can spread quickly. The good news is that you can lower your risk of getting sick with a few simple health habits. Here are three essential tips to help you and your ...

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Crisp air and colorful leaves mark the arrival of fall. While fall brings beautiful cool weather and amazing foliage, it also marks the beginning of a season of sniffles, colds, and cases of the flu. With fluctuating temperatures and increased indoor activities, our immune system works harder to keep us healthy. Strengthening your immunity naturally this fall can make a big difference in how your body handles seasonal illnesses. By focusing on nutrition, exercise, and ...

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Coughing is one of the most common symptoms people experience during the fall season. The shift in weather, allergens in the air, and seasonal illnesses often trigger coughing fits that can range from mild to severe. While many coughs are harmless and temporary, some may indicate a more serious condition that requires medical attention. Knowing when to be concerned can help you get the right care at the right time. At AFC Urgent Care Stoneham ...

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When the weather cools down and summer fades, many assume sunscreen is no longer necessary. The crisp autumn breeze and cloudy skies can create the illusion that UV rays aren’t as strong, but that’s far from the truth. Even in the fall, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage your skin, leading to sunburns, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. The question is: Should you still wear sunscreen in the ...

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Exercising in the heat can feel energizing, but it also comes with health risks that you need to be aware of if you plan on working out during the summertime. When you push your body in hot or humid conditions, it works extra hard to stay cool. Without proper care, this can result in heat-related illnesses like severe dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. This article will review early warning signs that your body uses ...

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Feeling dizzy after spending time in the heat is not only common, but it's also a sign your body may be struggling to cope with high temperatures. Whether you're outdoors for work, exercise, or simply enjoying the sun, heat can take a toll on your body faster than you think. Dizziness, fatigue, and excessive sweating are early red flags. If ignored, they could progress into something more serious like heat exhaustion or even ...

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If you’re someone who enjoys swimming in the summertime, you may not think about the potential health risks associated with spending a day at the pool or beach. However, exposing your ears to water puts you at a high risk of developing an ear infection. Ear infections called swimmer’s ear are extremely common during the summertime, and it is caused by water getting trapped in the ear canal, often following a swim. Keep ...

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Severe sunburns can do more than just cause temporary discomfort. They may signal significant skin damage that requires medical attention. While mild sunburns usually heal independently with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies, more intense burns can lead to symptoms such as blistering, swelling, fever, chills, or dizziness. These warning signs indicate that the body is stressed and may be at risk of complications like infection or heat-related illness.  If you’re sunburnt, AFC Urgent Care ...

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Seasonal shifts can bring out different seasonal allergies. Spring allergies are the most common compared to other seasons, with pollen being the most prevalent allergen. Spring allergy symptoms can be difficult to manage and can be confusing to diagnose because they often come and go with exposure to allergens. If you’re struggling with spring allergies, visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham. Our walk-in clinic provides same-day allergy symptom diagnosis and relief for patients of all ...

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Seasonal allergies can cause a variety of symptoms depending on what you’re allergic to and how severe your allergy is. One common symptom of spring allergies is red and swollen eyes. Swollen eyes often occur due to exposure to airborne allergens like pollens, or can happen if you touch an allergen and then rub your eyes. Swollen eyes can be uncomfortable and limit your ability to function normally throughout the day. If you’re ...

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Waking up with a sore throat may automatically make you worry that you’re sick. However, sore throats can be caused by many different ailments and conditions. Spring allergies can cause a mild sore throat. If you’re experiencing a sore throat in the springtime and aren’t sure whether your symptoms are caused by allergies or something else, keep reading. At AFC Urgent Care Stoneham, our walk-in clinic offers same-day sore throat diagnosis on ...

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Are you someone who suffers from seasonal allergies during the spring months? You’re not alone. Spring allergies affect millions of people every year. Once plants begin blooming, they release pollen that can become airborne and lead to irritating symptoms like a runny nose. Seasonal allergies tend to flare up with exposure, but keep reading to learn about how to manage an allergy-induced runny nose. If you’re looking for symptom diagnosis and treatment, AFC ...

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During the colder seasons, respiratory illnesses spread quickly. While some illnesses, like the common cold, can typically resolve on their own in just a few days, there are cases where your symptoms may continue to worsen. Bronchitis is a respiratory illness that can occur as a secondary infection following another upper respiratory illness. It often causes severe illness, and one of the most common symptoms is shortness of breath. Keep reading to learn more about ...

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When you think of whooping cough, you may think of young children getting sick. While whooping cough is much more deadly among children compared to adults, it is still possible for adults to contract whooping cough. Whooping cough can cause severe illness, even for healthy adults, and it is very contagious. Keep reading to learn more about what causes whooping cough in adults and the treatment options for whooping cough. If you’re experiencing symptoms ...

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HFMD is often perceived as an illness that only impacts young children, but adults can get hand, foot, and mouth, too. Dispelling the myth that HFMD exclusively affects children is critical, especially since adults may not realize they're carrying the virus and could inadvertently spread it. Save Your Spot What Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease? HFMD is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects young children, typically those under the age of five. It ...

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When your little one develops a fever, it's natural to worry and wonder, "How long do fevers last in infants?" Fevers are often the body's way of fighting infections by creating a less hospitable environment for germs. While fevers can seem concerning, they are usually not harmful and often resolve on their own. Save Your Spot Understanding How Long Fevers Last in Infants In most cases, fevers in infants last around two to three days ...

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Are sugar rushes real? For decades, many parents have believed in the idea of a “sugar rush,” a phenomenon where kids become hyperactive after consuming sugary snacks or drinks. This belief has led to widespread efforts to limit sugar intake, especially during times when parents want their children to stay calm and focused. Despite its popularity, scientific research shows that the so-called sugar rush is actually a myth. In this blog post, we'll explore ...

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Many different illnesses can lead to a cough. If you’re sick with a cough and are wondering why your cough seems to be lasting longer than your other symptoms, you’re not alone. Lingering coughs can be frustrating and can last up to 8 weeks with no additional symptoms. In most cases, long-lasting coughs that linger after all other illness symptoms have passed are not contagious. If you’re experiencing a lingering cough that ...

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Norovirus, often called the "stomach flu," is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis, leading to nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Although norovirus is often called the stomach flu, they are different illnesses that lead to their own unique symptoms. The flu primarily affects the respiratory system while norovirus targets the digestive tract. Keep reading to learn more about norovirus and its symptoms. If you’re experiencing norovirus symptoms, visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham ...

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Does menopause make you tired? Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years. While it’s often associated with hot flashes and mood swings, many women also experience persistent fatigue during this transition. Feeling tired or low on energy can be frustrating and disruptive, especially when combined with other menopause symptoms. Save Your Spot Understanding Menopause Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs when a woman’s ...

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