Recent Blog Posts

Having a cold can cause you to experience a variety of illness symptoms. Viruses can be caused by hundreds of different viruses, meaning that the symptoms you experience may differ from person to person depending on what virus you have been infected with. If you’re suffering from unusual cold symptoms, you could be developing a more serious secondary infection or suffering from an illness more serious than a cold. Keep reading to learn about ...

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What Are the Bumps in the Back of My Throat?  Have you been wondering, ‘what are the bumps in the back of my throat?’ You could be dealing with cobblestone throat or tonsillitis.  Save Your Spot What Are the Bumps in the Back of My Throat? If you've been feeling discomfort in your throat and have noticed red bumps in the back of the throat, you may be wondering what they are. Many people have experienced ...

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Injuries are unpredictable; anyone can sustain injury unexpectedly. Muscle strains and fractures are common injuries that can happen during everyday activities. This article discusses the differences between the symptoms and treatment of both muscle strains and fractures to help you determine whether to seek medical treatment for your injury. If you’ve suffered an injury, AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch offers fast and convenient injury diagnosis and treatment services on a walk-in basis in ...

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Coughing is a common illness symptom. Coughs can range from mild and occasional to severe and persistent depending on what is causing the cough. In many cases, coughs clear up on their own over time. Mild coughs usually don’t require medical treatment to resolve. However, if your cough is continuing to worsen over time or has persisted longer than your other illness symptoms, it's important that you seek medical care. A persistent cough ...

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Flu season typically begins in early fall and can last through late spring, with peak flu levels often occurring in December and January. Learn about the early signs and symptoms of the flu so that you can take appropriate action to stay healthy this flu season. Visit AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch for fast and reliable illness care available seven days a week with no appointment needed. Walk in today. How Does The Flu ...

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Do you ever feel like you just shook off an illness, only to feel the beginning symptoms come back again? Being sick is no fun, especially when symptoms seem to reappear as soon as you start feeling better. Learn about what can cause illness symptoms to come and go, and whether it’s possible to get sick multiple times in a row. Visit AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch for same-day illness care with no ...

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Although no one enjoys being sick, the flu can be particularly difficult to manage. Understanding how long flu symptoms last is vital to managing the illness effectively. Today, we'll dive into the typical duration of flu symptoms, explore factors influencing how long they last, and discuss when seeking treatment at urgent care is essential. Visit AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch for flu diagnosis and treatment in West Long Branch, NJ. How To Identify ...

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We've all been there – the sniffles, a sore throat, or a general feeling of fatigue. Getting sick can have a major impact on your daily routine, especially if you're someone who prioritizes regular exercise. Exercise can help build your immunity which brings up a valid debate: should you hit the gym or take a rest day when you're under the weather?  Understanding the Spectrum of Illness Not all illnesses are created equally ...

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Is There a Difference Between Telemedicine and Telehealth Urgent Care? Telehealth urgent care and telemedicine are terms that are often  used interchangeably but actually have some distinct differences. Telehealth is an umbrella term that refers to the use of technology in a variety of healthcare services, while telemedicine is a specific type of telehealth service that involves remote clinical services between a doctor and a patient. Save Your Spot What Is Telehealth Urgent Care? At its core ...

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Food Poisoning: When and Why to Visit AFC West Long Branch NJ Food poisoning is an unwelcome and often unpredictable health concern that can strike when we least expect it. Defined as an illness caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages, it can manifest as various symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe gastrointestinal distress. While some cases resolve on their own with rest and hydration, there are instances where seeking prompt medical attention becomes crucial. ${custom_link_1_title ...

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There are nearly 3.4 million truck drivers in the United States, according to a 2020 survey by the American Trucking Associations. Most truck drivers must pass a Department of Transportation Physical (DOT Physical) to keep a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). If you’re wondering what a DOT physical is, here’s what to expect during one. Understanding What a DOT Physical Is The U.S. Department of Transportation sets the DOT physical ...

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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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Are you wondering if you have genital herpes or a vaginal yeast infection? Learn the common signs of genital herpes vs. vaginal yeast infections so you know what to discuss with your doctor. What is Herpes? Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by two types of viruses — herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). In addition, there are genital and oral herpes. Unfortunately, both are chronic ...

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You’re at soccer practice for your son, and he trips and falls on his arm and is immediately in pain. While your first thought might not be, “How much is an x-ray?” there are a few things to consider when choosing where to go for treatment. Before you visit an ER for an x-ray, you may want to consider the cost. Here’s what ER x-rays cost vs. urgent care x-rays, including x-ray cost ...

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What is an urgent care clinic? And how does it differ from the emergency room? When should you go to the emergency room, and when should you go to an urgent care center? Whatever questions you may have, American Family Care has the answers. What Is An Urgent Care Clinic? Urgent care is the level of healthcare that lies between your primary care physician (PCP) and the emergency room. When you go to urgent care ...

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An itchy throat is a common symptom that can have a variety of causes. It can make daily living uncomfortable as it’s difficult to talk or swallow with an irritated throat. Explore itchy throat remedies that can help soothe symptoms from allergies or other itchy throat causes. Causes of an Itchy Throat A number of factors can cause an irritated throat. Allergies and viral infections are the most common. Some of the other common ...

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Spending time in the sun is a great way to enjoy outdoor activities, but protecting yourself from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is important. However, it’s essential to know the common signs and symptoms of sun poisoning and when to seek treatment. Whether you're planning a day at the beach, a hike in the mountains, or simply spending time in your own backyard, understanding the signs and risks of sun poisoning ...

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In the sweltering heat of summer or during periods of intense physical activity, many of us have experienced the discomfort of heat rash symptoms. This common skin condition, also known as prickly heat or miliaria, can put a damper on our outdoor adventures and leave us itching and irritated. Understanding the symptoms and treatment options for heat rash is crucial to managing this condition and ensuring our skin stays healthy. Additionally, it’s essential to ...

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As a parent, it can be difficult to know when your child's illness or injury requires urgent medical attention. Pediatric urgent care clinics are designed to provide immediate medical attention for children with non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries that require prompt treatment but are not severe enough to require a trip to the emergency room. These centers are designed to provide accessible care that is much more affordable than pediatrician or primary care physician visits ...

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As the seasons change and the temperature drops, it's not uncommon to hear warnings about the arrival of cold and flu season. During this time, many people become more wary of their health and take extra precautions to avoid getting sick. However, amidst the heightened awareness, numerous myths and misconceptions about this season have been perpetuated over the years. American Family Care (AFC) debunks these myths and separates fact from fiction, enabling you to ...

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