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Can I Prevent Illness During the Holidays?

American Family Care | Tyvola Road, NC — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 11:10:25 UTC

It’s that time of year again to start reveling in another holiday season with friends and family. You are busy shopping for the perfect gift, pulling out boxes of your favorite decorations and picking up those family pajama sets that your kids love. It’s the holiday season!

While you are consumed with getting everything done in time, the chance of illness is always lurking just out of sight. Infections and other conditions always seem to crop up in yourself or one of your kids at the worst time!

Our AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road team offers up some helpful tips to boost your family’s immune systems to stay healthier this year.

Are Infections More Common in the Winter?

They sure are! Bacterial and viral infections are present throughout the year, but caseloads spike when we all head indoors and spend more time together in closer proximity. That means you could be in the same room as the common cold, the flu, RSV and strep throat all at once! This is why taking care of your body at this time of year can go a long way toward staying healthy.

Your body needs a healthy diet, exercise and sleep on a daily basis to function normally, but these three things become even more important when you are hoping to avoid getting sick. A healthy diet and regular exercise support a stronger body, and proper sleep bolsters your immune system to help it fight off illness more effectively. Encourage these changes for everyone in your household during the holidays.

Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season

Bundle up when it is cold outside.
Get your flu vaccine.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Wear your seatbelt while traveling.

What Other Illnesses Are Common During the Holidays?

What is the meal or food that you look forward to at this time of year? Whether it is a favorite cookie or your grandmother’s turkey dressing, contracting a foodborne illness is always possible. Undercooked eggs and meat could be harboring dangerous bacteria, and food that is left to sit out for too long also can make you sick.

Be sure everyone is using proper kitchen safety techniques, and eat any perishable food as soon as it is done cooking. Store any leftovers right away and be mindful of the time when setting out food for consumption. If something has been on a table for over two hours, it’s time to toss it out, just to be on the safe side.

Kitchen Safety Measures

Use designated cutting boards for raw meat and produce.
Wash hands before handling food.
Don’t cook for others when you aren’t feeling well.
Understand specific allergies or dietary restrictions for those attending your party.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday season! Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road if you aren’t feeling well.

When Should I Bring My Child in for an RSV Infection?

American Family Care | Tyvola Road, NC — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:14:10 UTC

Kids get sick, that’s just a fact of life. This is especially true at this time of year with all of the different infections and illnesses that they can come down with.

While minor colds and ear infections aren’t usually cause for concern, certain infections can be dangerous or even deadly. RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is one of those illnesses that all parents need to watch for.

Our AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road team explains more about RSV and why it can be so dangerous below, so read on to stay informed.

How Does RSV start?

RSV is a viral illness that can spread really quickly through populations, and caseloads tend to peak in the fall and winter seasons when we all spend more time together in close proximity. This is why places like daycare centers, classrooms and nursing homes have to be on high alert at this time of year.

It can spread through respiratory droplets or through direct contact. If your child does something simple like put an infected toy in his or her mouth or is the unfortunate recipient of a kiss from an infected family member or friend, an RSV infection can begin just a few days later.

Early Signs That Your Child Has RSV

Fever
Runny nose
Cough
Trouble eating or drinking

Are All RSV Infections Emergencies?

No. Many RSV infections may make your child feel sick for a few days, but symptoms stay mild to moderate until he or she makes a full recovery. Offer fluids, encourage rest and watch your child for any signs of a worsening infection.

Respiratory distress is the major concern when it comes to RSV infections. The virus can inflame and irritate your child’s airway enough to cause difficulty breathing, and that can be dangerous or even deadly. Seek medical attention immediately if your child is experiencing any of the below symptoms.

Dangerous Respiratory Distress Signs

Chest contractions
Bluish skin or fingernails
Wheezing
Shallow or rapid breathing

RSV can be really dangerous. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road if you are worried about your symptoms.

Do Kids Need an Annual Flu Shot?

American Family Care | Tyvola Road, NC — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 10:06:54 UTC

Raise your hand if one or more of your children has already been sick since the start of the school year! This time of year is one of the most common times for children to come down with any sort of infection, and we would bet at least one illness has made its way through your household.

While a minor cold may not be much of a concern, a flu outbreak in your house could knock down your entire family for a few days while everyone cycles through the sickness and recovery.

Our AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road team wants everyone to stay healthy this year, which is why we recommend that everyone get their flu shot now! Read on to learn more about this year’s flu vaccine.

When Should You Get the Flu Shot?

The flu shot is typically available in the early fall, and it is recommended that everyone should get their shot early in the season. September or October is a great time to get it because the shot needs about two weeks in your body in order to build those important antibodies against the virus.

The flu shot is a little bit different year to year, which is why an annual flu shot is important. While you and your family may have gotten last year’s strain and have immunity, you are probably not immune to this year’s strain. The flu shot is reformulated each year to provide the best protection against the year’s most common strains.

Reasons Why the Annual Flu Shot Matters

It reduces risk of death or serious illness due to the flu.
It can reduce the number of sick days if they do get the flu.
It protects others who cannot get the vaccine.
It can keep any symptoms mild.

Is the Flu Dangerous for Kids?

It certainly can be. Children and infants naturally have smaller breathing passages and underdeveloped immune systems. Any sort of inflammation from an infection in their airways can cause significant breathing problems and respiratory distress. Children can also just have a harder time overcoming the illness because their immune systems aren’t as well equipped to handle illness as most adults.

The best way to prevent serious illness in your child is to get the flu vaccine! The vaccine is reliable at preventing illness entirely, but it will also help manage any symptoms if your child does experience a breakthrough infection. It will shorten the duration and will keep any symptoms mild. Anyone 6 months and older is eligible, so come by and get your entire family vaccinated today.

How to Keep Your Family Healthy This Year

Get your annual flu shots.
Teach proper handwashing.
Avoid others if they are sick.
Eat well and stay hydrated.
Make sleep a priority for everyone.

We want you to stay healthy! When you are ready for your annual flu shot, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road.

Do All COVID-19 Infections Cause Sore Throats?

American Family Care | Tyvola Road, NC — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 10:09:13 UTC

Getting sick can happen at any point, which can be really frustrating if you have a big event coming up or a particularly busy week to get through. It can be easy to just pop in a throat lozenge when you have a sore throat, but that may not fix it for good.

Temporary relief of a sore throat may help at the moment, but getting a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for your illness can help you avoid a more serious infection as COVID-19, the flu and strep throat cases are rising all around us.

Our AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road team explains some of the differences and similarities between COVID-19, the flu and strep throat below.

Do COVID-19, Strep Throat and the Flu Spread the Same Way?

Infections are incredibly contagious and spread through populations quickly when everyone is closer together in proximity. That’s why the fall and winter seasons are more likely to experience high caseloads and outbreaks! We can get sick any time we come into contact with an infected person or by touching an infected surface and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes.

All three illnesses are considered infections, but they are not caused by the same things. Strep throat is caused by a bacteria while COVID-19 and the flu are both viral in nature. Symptoms may start out the same, so a fever, sore throat, headache or body aches are not reliable symptoms that you can diagnose yourself from. Come see us for a rapid test instead!

Rapid Tests We Perform at AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road

COVID-19
Influenza
Strep Throat

Can You Quickly Treat COVID-19?

Treatment for each illness is different as well, and the recovery timeline is different for everyone. If your rapid test comes back positive for strep throat, a quick round of antibiotics can help you feel better in just a few days.

COVID-19 and the flu aren’t as simple. Since they are viral infections, they cannot be treated by antibiotics and just need to run their course. There are some antiviral drug options that can help control your symptom severity, but they need to be taken at your symptom onset to be the most effective. Come see us for quick care and a treatment plan today!

Symptoms Shared by COVID-19, the Flu and Other Infections

Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Runny nose
Fever

Need help determining what is making you sick? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road for a rapid test.

How Can I Avoid COVID-19 This Year?

American Family Care | Tyvola Road, NC — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 10:05:39 UTC

We all want to avoid sickness and stay as healthy as possible during the fall and winter months. With all of the circulating viruses and bacterial infections that are around, it can sometimes be hard to do!

Now that COVID-19 is part of the mix again, it is important to remember that you can get sick with COVID-19 this year even if you had already had it in previous years. Taking preventive steps is crucial to maintaining your health.

Our AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road team explains more about COVID-19 and how to avoid getting sick this year below, so check it out and stay healthy out there.

Why Is COVID-19 Testing Still Important?

We all want to know what we are sick with when we come down with an infection or other illness. A proper diagnosis can help you find more reliable treatments and can help you avoid getting vulnerable people sick. This is especially true with COVID-19!

Getting tested as soon as you start having symptoms can help make sure you remove yourself from work or school right away, and it can also make sure you receive treatment faster. There are antiviral drug treatments available now either in pill form or through an IV, and they can help you feel better faster. However, they should be given at the onset of your symptoms so they can work more efficiently.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Sudden fever
Chills
Persistent cough
Shortness of breath
Fatigue or muscle aches

How Can I Prevent COVID-19 This Year?

The vaccine remains one of the most reliable ways to avoid COVID-19. However, we all know that breakthrough cases do still happen, even if you are fully vaccinated. The good news is is that even if you do get sick, the chances of you experiencing severe symptoms is drastically lower.

Even if you received the initial round of the vaccine, be sure to stay current with recommended boosters. The latest boosters will be available beginning in late September or October. You can also lower your risk of illness by washing your hands frequently, steering clear of people who are sick and avoiding crowded spaces.

Serious COVID-19 Symptoms to Watch For

Respiratory distress
Persistent chest pain or pressure
Confusion
Pale, gray or blue-colored skin and lips

Feeling ill? Stop by for a COVID-19 rapid test at AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road.

How Long Does a Fever Normally Last?

American Family Care | Tyvola Road, NC — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 10:10:17 UTC

School is back in session, and that means your organized chaos of work, school and activities has returned once more. That also means that the arrival of seasonal illnesses is here!

It is common at this time of year to have at least one illness sweep through your home, whether it is a virus, stomach bug or some type of infection. One of the most common symptoms across these illnesses is a fever.

Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road if you are concerned about your child’s fever, but read on to learn more about fevers and how they can actually help your child recover faster.

Is Any Sort of Elevated Temperature a Fever?

The baseline we are all familiar with is 98.6 degrees, so it can be alarming to see anything higher or lower than that on the thermometer. However, that is actually normal as our bodies fluctuate a bit throughout the day. A fever is diagnosed when your body temperature reaches 100.4 degrees or higher and stays there.

When your child gets sick, a developing fever actually is a good thing! It means that his or her body is responding properly and is launching its immune response. This elevated temperature makes it harder for the illness to replicate and spread while simultaneously making it easier for the body to fight it off.

Common Illnesses That Spike Fevers

Influenza
Ear infections
Chickenpox
Respiratory infections
Urinary tract infections

At What Point Should We Go to the Doctor for a Fever?

A typical fever lasts anywhere between a few hours and two days. In this time, make sure your child gets a lot of rest, drinks water and eats when he or she feels up to it. If the fever is making your child feel really sick, you can always offer OTC medication to bring it down. However, if he or she is feeling fine, feel free to let the fever do its thing, and your child may actually feel better faster!

If the fever isn’t going away on its own after three days, reaches 103 degrees or higher or can’t be dropped with medication, come see us. Our team can take a look and see if there are any other underlying reasons for it. In any case, we are here to help you feel better every day of the week.

Symptoms to Watch for During a Fever

Sensitivity to light
Confusion
A spreading rash
Seizures
Stiff neck

Fevers can be frustrating to deal with at home. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road any day of the week.

What Is a Complete Blood Count Test?

American Family Care | Tyvola Road, NC — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 10:05:26 UTC

We never want you to get sick, but it is unfortunately just a part of life sometimes. Some illnesses can be simple and easy to diagnose from a quick physical exam, but others can be a bit more tricky to diagnose.

That’s where a visit to our center comes in handy! If you are feeling sick but don’t know why, you can come see us and we can use a variety of diagnostic tools to help figure out what is causing your symptoms. One of those tools is our lab.

AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road is equipped with a full-service lab that can help pinpoint illnesses and dig deeper into your wellness. Read on to learn more about this amazing resource.

What Tests Do AFC’s Lab Perform?

One of the most common visits we have on a daily basis involves some sort of rapid test. We have a variety of tests that can detect illnesses like RSV, COVID-19, strep throat, STDs and the flu in just a matter of minutes. This means you will be able to focus on feeling better faster instead of waiting hours for your test results. Additionally, we can do urinalysis or a culture to help us diagnose infections.

We can also draw your blood and run various tests on it to help figure out what is causing your symptoms! One of the most common blood tests that we run is called a complete blood count, or CBC. A CBC is a simple blood draw that is run through our equipment to measure and count the different types of blood cells in your blood. This can give us a really good starting point when diagnosing you because your blood can tell a lot about you.

Common Illnesses That Our Lab Can Diagnose

Anemia
An infection
Immune system disorders
Blood diseases

How Do I Recover From Anemia?

Anemia is a common blood condition that develops when your body isn’t producing the proper level of red blood cells for your blood. That may sound scary, but it actually happens often and is considered the most common blood condition in the world!

Mild to moderate anemia can cause symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat and fatigue. If you are experiencing these symptoms, stop in to see us right away. We can run a quick CBC and then discuss treatment options. Recovering from anemia usually involves incorporating more iron into your diet to help support your blood and red blood cell production.

Treating Anemia Through Your Diet

Eat iron-rich foods like lean meat, fish, eggs and dried beans.
Consume more folic acid from dark, leafy green vegetables.
Increase your vitamin D intake.
Take an iron supplement if recommended.

Have you been feeling faint or lightheaded? Come see us for a quick CBC test at AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road.

What Happens if I Don’t Stop Smoking?

American Family Care | Tyvola Road, NC — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 10:09:25 UTC

Addictive habits can be really hard to break. That’s why many people struggle with giving up things like cigarettes or smoking in general. Not only is the craving for the tobacco real, but it has become a part of your lifestyle and daily routine for many years.

While we understand how hard it is to quit, we will always encourage anyone who smokes to do so. Smoking has so many negative health benefits that you are at an increased risk of many different diseases and conditions as you age.

Our AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road team explains more about the negative effects of smoking and how it affects your health below.

How Is Smoking Bad For You?

There are thousands of chemicals and toxins that are within tobacco, and those chemicals will directly infiltrate your body with every inhale you take. In fact, within the first 10 seconds of your first inhale, the toxins will have traveled to major organs like your brain, liver and lungs.

Over time, the tar left over from smoking will coat your lungs and you will develop respiratory troubles and breathing issues from the decreased lung capacity. In addition to lung issues, your physical appearance will start to suffer. Chronic smoking turns your skin and teeth yellow, it can cause premature wrinkles or sagging, and your hair can even start to fall out or thin.

Smoking Increases Your Risk of These Diseases

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Lung cancer
Heart disease
Emphysema

What Does Secondhand Smoke Do to My Family?

You may think that smoking only affects you since you are the one partaking in it, but that’s definitely not the case. Secondhand smoke also contains thousands of chemicals and your children, spouse or other family members breathe it in on a daily basis. Even if you smoke outside, residual smoke will stick to your clothes and hair and you will expose your family to it anyway.

This smoke increases your family’s risk of developing lung cancer, heart disease and asthma even if they have never picked up a cigarette. Quitting directly removes the smoke from your family and their lungs. Find the motivation to take the first step today toward a healthier and smoke-free life.

Breaking an Addictive Habit

Find your reason “why.”
Take it one day and one craving at a time.
Research different medication options.
Consider counseling.
Surround yourself with positive support.

We are always here for you. Stop by AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road any day of the week.

When Is Getting an STD Test Necessary?

American Family Care | Tyvola Road, NC — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 10:05:07 UTC

Your health is your greatest asset, so taking care of yourself should always be your top priority. While it may seem obvious to treat your symptoms when you get a cold or the flu, not everyone takes quick action if an STD is suspected.

We know that discussing your sexual health may not feel comfortable in the moment, but it is crucial for your long-term health! Getting tested right away can ensure a full recovery with no lasting complications.

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road team explains the importance of getting tested for STDs and why it matters below.

Can STD Symptoms Appear Right Away?

All STDs are a bit different when it comes to symptoms, which can make them tricky to navigate on your own. Some appear after a few days to a few weeks, and some can exist in your body without showing symptoms at all.

This is why getting tested often is so crucial! You could be walking around with an STD with little to no symptoms and spreading it to your partners. Did you know that our AFC center is fully equipped to diagnose and treat STDs? A simple test can be performed, and your results will be ready in as little as 30 minutes.

Common STDs Tested for at AFC Tyvola Road

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis
HPV

What Can Treat an STD?

When you come to see us for an STD test, we will take a simple urine sample, blood draw or swab and run it through our series of tests. If any of them come back positive, we will have a discussion about treatment options! Antibiotics are one of the most common treatments for many STDs.

You should prioritize coming in to see us regularly for an STD test, and especially if you are switching partners or entering into a new relationship. Failing to treat an STD can lead to further complications later in life like infertility, serious diseases like pelvic inflammatory disease or difficulties with pregnancies.

Tips For Maintaining Your Health

Test yourself before and after entering a new relationship.
Communicate clearly with your partner.
Wear a condom.
Get vaccinated against hepatitis A, hepatitis B and HPV.

Are you concerned that you contracted an STD? Come get tested at AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road today.

Is Being Bitten By a Tick Dangerous?

American Family Care | Tyvola Road, NC — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 10:08:47 UTC

We are grateful for the many different benefits of the summer season, but not for the increase in bugs and insects. Any time you spend time outside running around in the grass or in the woods on a hike, it is important that you check yourself for ticks afterward.

Ticks are at their peak from spring to early fall, so recognizing them and removing them from your clothes should always be your first priority after spending time outdoors. While not all tick bites are dangerous, some can cause you to develop Lyme disease.

Our AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road team breaks down tick bites and what symptoms to watch for that indicate Lyme disease, so read on to learn more.

What Should I Do if I Find a Tick on Me?

Get it off! If the tick is still crawling around on you, simply pick it off and dispose of it and then wash your hands. If it has already embedded in your skin, you should grab a tweezers and work on getting it out. Ticks that are carrying Lyme disease have to be attached to you for at least 36 hours to transmit the disease to you, so the time is literally ticking.

Remember, not all ticks are carrying the disease, but there is no way of knowing in the moment if the one on your skin is infected. In most cases, the redness and irritation will go away after the tick has been removed and that will be it.

Removing a Tick From Your Skin

Use a clean tweezers and pull slowly and steadily away from the skin.
Do not twist as you pull.
Take a picture of the tick.
Dispose in the garbage in a piece of tape or flush in the toilet.
Wash your hands and the bite site thoroughly.

How Common Is Lyme Disease?

About 30,000 people contract Lyme disease in any given year in the United States. Considering over 300 million people live in this country, the odds are in your favor! Keep in mind that Lyme disease symptoms can take up to a month to appear, so try to relax and just keep an eye on how you feel.

If you discover a growing bulls-eye rash around the bite site, experience body stiffness or aches or a fever with a headache, come see us. Lyme disease is rarely fatal, but failing to treat your symptoms can leave you with chronic pain and fatigue.

Indications That an AFC Visit Is Required

You can’t remove the entire tick on your own
Your rash gets bigger or looks like a bulls-eye
Flu-like symptoms appear
Signs of infection appear, like pus or redness and swelling

If you are ever worried about an animal or insect bite, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road.

Can I Go to AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road for a Fracture?

American Family Care | Tyvola Road, NC — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 10:05:11 UTC

Broken bones can happen in the blink of an eye. One minute you are busy cooking dinner in your kitchen, and the next, you are sprawled out on the floor because you didn’t see your dog laying down behind you and your wrist is searing in pain.

Sometimes injuries are mild and can heal on their own, but broken bones should always be diagnosed and treated properly to make sure they heal the right way.

Our AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road center is equipped with a digital X-ray machine that can help diagnose your bone injury faster and more efficiently. Read on to learn more and then stop by for a quick visit!

Will I Know if I Fractured a Bone?

Your bones do a great job of protecting your organs and providing your body with structure every day. They have the strength to withstand daily life as well as minor falls, twists and impacts. In fact, they are also a little flexible to help absorb external forces!

That being said, your bones are not indestructible. A single severe impact or big fall can prove to be too much pressure, and your bone can crack or break completely. You will most likely know that something happened due to the pain, but you might not know the extent of your injury. That’s where we come in!

Bones That Are Prone to Fractures

Wrists
Ankles
Hips
Clavicle (collarbone)

How Do X-Rays Diagnose Fractures?

Diagnosing a fracture is really important because your main goal should be a full recovery. If you continue to use the wrist or ankle that is in pain, you could be making the injury worse or you could even cause the bone to break completely! If it does heal on its own, you might be dealing with chronic pain.

A digital X-ray takes an image just like a traditional X-ray, except that the image is uploaded onto a computer instead of developed on film. This image is uploaded instantly, and our providers are able to see the image much more closely. It is also a crisper image and can be blown up to provide a better view of the injury in question. If we do notice a fracture, we can discuss treatment options that will support your bone and get you on the road to recovery right away.

Digital X-Ray Benefits

Minimized radiation exposure
Clear and crisp images
Fast turnaround
Reduced environmental impact compared to traditional X-rays

Our X-ray technology can help you feel better faster. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road for an X-ray today.

How Can I Support My Brain As I Get Older?

American Family Care | Tyvola Road, NC — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:09:37 UTC

Being an adult means you wear many different hats on a typical day. You are a parent, but also a working professional, a chef, a chauffeur and the bedtime enforcer. After a long day, it can be hard to find the motivation to work on your own health.

There are some small things you can do now to support your body and brain in a way that will have a big impact later in life. A healthy brain and body can reduce your risk of suffering from certain diseases like dementia.

Our AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road team explains how to prioritize your brain health below, so read on to gain some great insight.

How Does Exercise Support My Mind?

We all know that exercise is one of the most crucial parts of a healthy lifestyle. It supports your entire body from building strong muscles and bones to helping you maintain a healthy weight. It is also great for your brain!

When you exercise, endorphins are released into your system and can give you an instant mood boost. In addition, it can help you stay sharp and concentrate better during the day, and it can support a stronger memory over time. You can take it even one step further by grabbing a friend or encouraging your spouse to join in.

Positive Health Effects of Regular Exercise

Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety
Decreases stress
Boosts self-esteem
Improves sleep, which can keep you focused during the day

Can I Relax While I Challenge My Brain?

We know that the days can be long and you are exhausted by the time you hit the couch. We have good news for you, though! You can engage with your brain even while relaxing. Try to do a daily word find, crossword puzzle or sudoku game each night. That way you still get to calm your body while forcing your brain to problem-solve and think differently.

You can also do this through your hobbies. The goal is to make your brain think in a different way and inspire creativity. Don’t be afraid to try new things and enjoy the journey! Each time you learn something new or challenge your brain, you are building neural connections that will help you stay sharper as you age.

Supporting Your Brain in Other Ways

Avoid smoking and other forms of tobacco.
Don’t abuse alcohol.
Protect your head from injury by wearing a helmet.
Eat known brain-boosting foods like berries and fatty fish.

We are here to help you feel better from your brain to your feet. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road.

Do Kids Sunburn More Easily Than Adults?

American Family Care | Tyvola Road, NC — Mon, 15 May 2023 10:04:49 UTC

School will be out soon, and that means much more time spent outdoors with your kids! We are sure you are looking forward to all of the fun activities and memories that your family will make, but do your best to respect the sun.

Don’t let a significant sunburn put a damper on your summer plans! Children tend to burn more easily than adults do because their skin is thinner and more sensitive.

Our AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road team explains how to protect your kids from experiencing a sunburn below, so read on to learn more.

Why Does the Sun Hurt My Skin?

Even though feeling the sun on your face on a warm summer’s day can feel amazing, you have to be careful whenever you are exposed to it. That’s because the sun’s rays emit UV, or ultraviolet, light. This light is damaging to our skin and can cause a reaction that is very painful!

A sunburn is that negative reaction to UV light. You can expect your skin to turn red, become inflamed and feel sensitive or painful for a few days. Even though the burn will subside, the damage has already been done. The UV rays damage your skin cell DNA permanently, which increases your chance of having sun spots, wrinkles and even skin cancer later in life.

Tips for Minimizing Sun Exposure

Avoid being outside when the sun is the strongest.
Take frequent breaks in the shade.
Encourage sunglasses and protective clothing.
Move outdoor activities into a shady spot.

How Can I Prevent Sunburns?

The first thing you should be doing before heading to any sort of outdoor activity is layering on the sunscreen. Your child should have a layer of sunscreen applied to every area of exposed skin. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply it every two hours or more often if your child is swimming.

If you have control over the activity, try to set it up in the shade! Even though you can still burn in the shade, it does reduce your chances. If that’s not possible, offer wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to your kids, and consider investing in UV ray-blocking clothing for them. It can help filter out those dangerous rays and protect your children’s sensitive skin.

Relieving a Painful Burn

Apply a cool compress to the area.
Offer OTC medication for lingering pain.
Apply aloe vera or a moisturizing lotion.
Encourage hydration by offering water often.

Sun safety is crucial throughout your life. If your child experiences a painful burn, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road.

What Is Salmonella?

American Family Care | Tyvola Road, NC — Mon, 01 May 2023 10:08:04 UTC

Salmonella is a bacterial disease that affects your intestinal tract. If you come into contact with this infection, you can expect to experience symptoms within eight to 72 hours after exposure.

The symptoms associated with salmonella often are similar to common stomach bugs, so it can initially be hard to tell the difference. Our AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road team explains all about salmonella below, so read on.

What Causes Salmonella?

This infection affects your intestines and can cause a wide variety of gastrointestinal troubles. Typically you contract salmonella by eating contaminated foods or drinking contaminated water. It can also be lurking in undercooked or raw meat. In any case, it can make you feel really sick for a few days.

If you have ever been scolded by a parent or caregiver for sneaking a bite of uncooked cookie dough, this is why! Salmonella can be found in undercooked or raw eggs, so always let your cookies bake until they are done before you dig in. You should also always follow cooking recommendations for all meats and ensure they reach the proper temperature.

Symptoms of a Salmonella Infection

Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Fever
Nausea
Headache

When Will a Salmonella Infection Go Away?

The good news is that most salmonella infections clear up on their own in a few days! Just prioritize rest and drink water throughout the day. Since one of the symptoms you can experience is diarrhea, you can become dehydrated rather quickly, so it is important to prioritize staying hydrated.

Those who are in a higher risk category, like infants, children and older adults, need to keep an extra eye on their symptoms. Severe dehydration can be dangerous, and the salmonella infection can also spread beyond the intestines. Just be aware of how you are feeling and seek medical care if needed!

When to See a Doctor

Symptoms last more than a few days
You experience bloody stools
You have a high-grade fever of 102 degrees or higher that won’t go away
You are severely dehydrated

Stomach issues can be really frustrating. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road for a diagnosis.

What Can AFC Do for Seasonal Allergies?

American Family Care | Tyvola Road, NC — Sat, 15 Apr 2023 10:04:38 UTC

The spring is a great time of year for many reasons, but not for seasonal allergies. Symptoms of seasonal allergies can vary in severity from year to year, so if you are having a more severe reaction right now, know you are not alone!

The increase in pollen in the air can be troubling for many people. In fact, more than 80 million Americans experience seasonal allergy symptoms every year.

If you are looking for ways to help combat your allergy symptoms this year, read on as our AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road team explains more below.

Why Am I Allergic to Pollen?

Allergies are often genetic, but not always. You could be the only one in your family that experiences them! When your body is exposed to pollen, it just mistakenly identifies the substance as harmful to your body. This reaction signals for your body to launch an immune response to rid it from your body.

That’s where your seasonal allergy symptoms come from. Histamine is released into your system to hurry the pollen out of your body, which is why all of your symptoms can occur at once. The runny nose and itchy eyes are your body’s way of helping this process along.

The Most Common Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Runny nose
Itchy, watery or red eyes
Sneezing
Headache

Can I Prevent My Seasonal Allergy Symptoms?

Unfortunately, there is no forever cure for seasonal allergy sufferers. While you might experience a reduction in symptoms, you might have them for life. The best way to support yourself during this time is to fully understand what triggers your symptoms and avoid those situations. For example, if tree pollen really gets your symptoms going, avoid taking walks through wooded areas on windy days!

Another helpful resource is OTC allergy medication. These types of medications often contain antihistamines, which help reduce your symptoms that are caused by the histamine in your body. If you are struggling with controlling your symptoms on your own, stop by! Our team can evaluate you and offer some treatment suggestions or a change in your allergy medication.

Reducing Your Allergy Symptoms

Avoid going outside on high pollen count days.
Take your medication before going outside.
Stay hydrated.
Change clothes or shower after coming in from outside.

Seasonal allergies can be frustrating! Let us help you feel better at AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road.