Mono is a common viral infection that primarily affects young adults and teenagers. The condition is often called the “kissing disease,” due to the fact that it is often spread through direct contact with saliva. Mono can be spread other ways, though, so read on as our AFC Urgent Care NC team further highlights this common viral illness below! What Is Mono? Infectious mononucleosis, as it is medically known, is a group of symptoms that is almost always caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Read on →

Just a few months ago, hearing about a “breakthrough” COVID-19 infection seemed so rare, and it was. Now, though, with the omicron variant, the CDC is warning that breakthrough infections are common. Why, though? Does this mean that the COVID-19 vaccines don’t work? No, it doesn’t mean that! Our AFC Urgent Care TN team explains why below, so keep reading. What Are Breakthrough Infections? A breakthrough case, according to the CDC, occurs when a person tests positive for COVID-19 at least two weeks after being completely vaccinated, including receiving a booster dose if eligible. Read on →

The increased viral activity that we have been seeing this winter is no coincidence. Just like the flu, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has a tendency to get worse during the colder weather, but why does this happen? Our AFC Urgent Care NC team provides some helpful answers below, so keep reading! Do Viruses Get Worse in the Winter? They become more common. While viruses do cause greater damage in the winter, that does not mean they disappear when the weather warms up. Read on →

Wondering whether there’s a connection between this common childhood illness and COVID-19? Recent studies have shown that young children who test positive for COVID-19 experience symptoms of croup, too. To learn more about croup, COVID-19 and the omicron variant, keep reading as our AFC Urgent Care TN team shares some helpful info below! What Is Croup? Croup is a respiratory infection that is typically caused by a virus. It affects children between the ages of 3 months and 5 years, and it causes swelling of the airways and vocal cords, which leads to difficulty breathing and a loud cough that sounds like a high-pitched seal or dog bark. Read on →

Strep throat is a generally preventable, treatable infection, but it can cause some serious complications if it isn’t treated correctly or quickly. With the winter months being prime strep throat season, it’s especially important to keep this from happening and to be aware of the common strep throat symptoms. Our AFC Urgent Care NC team highlights what you need to know about strep throat below, so keep reading! What Is Strep Throat? Read on →

More people are getting sick with the flu this year compared to last year. To prevent yourself and your loved ones from getting it, the best thing you can do is to visit one of our AFC centers to get the flu vaccine. If you do happen to get the flu, though, it’s important to know what to do to treat it. Our AFC Urgent Care TN team highlights some helpful info on the flu and its effective treatment options below, so read on. Read on →

Falls happen too often among older adults. More than one in four elderly people will fall at home, and many of these falls result in painful, life-altering injuries. If you are 65 or older, or you have parents who live at home, it’s important to know how you can prevent in-home falls. Our AFC Urgent Care NC team provides some helpful fall prevention tips below, so keep reading! Here’s what to do: Remove possible tripping hazards. Read on →

Sinus infections are quite common during this time of year. Nearly 31 million Americans deal with a sinus infection each year, but many of them still aren’t sure which symptoms indicate whether they have a sinus infection or not. Sinus infections and sinus headaches aren’t the same thing, but sinus headaches are one common symptom of a sinus infection. It is important to note, however, that sinus headaches can also occur on their own, apart from a sinus infection. Read on →

The potential for COVID-19 and the flu combining to cause a “twindemic” this year are much higher than they were last year, due to no more required social distancing and fewer mask mandates. If you start to feel under the weather this winter, it can be difficult to know what you’re coming down with. Our AFC Urgent Care NC team is here to help you know how to decipher between COVID-19 and the flu, so keep reading! Read on →

Shingles is definitely cause for concern. While only those who have had chickenpox can get shingles, the virus that causes this infection is highly contagious and can be spread to anyone that comes in contact with it. Our AFC Urgent Care TN team provides further important information on shingles below, so read on! What Exactly Is Shingles? Shingles is an outbreak of rash or blisters on the skin. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Read on →