AFC Pineville NC Blog on AFC Pineville NC Blog

How Can I Be Healthier During the Holidays?

American Family Care | Pineville, NC — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 11:09:06 UTC

We all fall victim to the holiday season in one way or another. The delicious food, flowing drinks and cozy times all curled up on the couch together can make it a wonderful time of year, but all of that can also cause a strain on your health.

Whether it means your body gets run down and you fall ill at the worst possible moment or you are just feeling sluggish after too much celebration, staying on track with your health goals can keep you feeling your best.

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte team explains some ways to maintain your health during the holidays.

How Can I Avoid Getting Sick?

Since infections are all around us at this point in the year, prioritizing your daily health will go a long way toward a stronger immune system. Getting your flu shot, along with regular exercise, a healthy diet and enough sleep, can boost your immune system to help you fight infections more effectively.

Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep every night, and prioritize stress relief and resting often. It can be hard to do when you have so much to buy, prepare and plan for, but slowing down and letting your body rest when it needs to is vital for your health, especially if your body is in the middle of fighting off an infection.

Additional Tips for Staying Healthy

Bundle up when it is cold outside.
Get your flu vaccine.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Wash your hands.

What Food Should I Eat During the Holidays?

The key to success is always to enjoy in moderation. Limit your sugar intake and be mindful about excess alcohol consumption, but you can enjoy a treat or two here and there. Choose a smaller plate or pick smaller portion sizes to help prevent overserving yourself, and consider going for a light walk after your meal.

Another key part of staying healthy when it comes to food consumption is to be cautious about consuming any food that has been sitting out for over two hours. Bacteria can start to grow quickly after that, and it can make you really sick. Choose options fresh out of the oven or off the stove instead, just to be safe.

Tips for Preventing Foodborne Illnesses

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 South Charlotte if you aren’t feeling well.

What Do Chest Retractions Look Like?

American Family Care | Pineville, NC — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:12:24 UTC

RSV season is here already, and like most parents and caregivers, we all enter into this time period a little wary and anxious. RSV has the potential to be really dangerous to infants and small children, which can worry any parent.

While it is important to remember that not all RSV infections become severe, it is important to know what symptoms to look for that indicate a medical emergency.

Our AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte team explains more about RSV and the symptoms associated with it, so read on to learn more.

How Do Children Contract RSV?

RSV is really contagious, especially amongst the younger and older populations. This is because these categories of people spend much more time in close proximity to one another. A single RSV infection in a classroom, daycare, nursing home or assisted living facility can lead to an entire outbreak.

RSV travels through the air via airborne viral droplets from uncovered coughs and sneezes, but it can also be contracted through direct contact. A single kiss to your child’s face could lead to a serious infection, so be cautious about who you allow to kiss your child during this time of year.

Common Mild Symptoms of RSV

Fever
Runny nose/congestion
Shallow breathing
Cough
Muscle or body aches

Why Does Respiratory Distress Happen With RSV?

The simple act of breathing requires all kinds of muscles and organs to work in tandem for you to take every single breath. RSV settles into your child’s upper respiratory system and can cause inflammation in his or her airways. This inflammation can make it harder for the lungs to fill properly, and the supporting muscles can’t do their job.

When your child is experiencing difficulty breathing, they could be displaying chest retractions with each breath. If you are looking at your child’s chest, his or her chest wall will sink in beneath the breastbone or under the neck with every shallow or rapid breath. This sign means that your child is not getting the proper airflow through his or her lungs and you need to seek medical attention right away.

Red Flag Symptoms to Watch For

Shallow breathing or chest contractions
A high fever that won’t go away
Blue skin or fingernails
Loss of consciousness

If you aren’t feeling well, we can help. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte.

Should My Kids Get the Flu Shot?

American Family Care | Pineville, NC — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 10:06:04 UTC

Being a parent at this time of year is hard work. In addition to organizing all of the chaos of work, school and activities, you are also juggling sick kids and the process of calling out sick from all of those responsibilities as well.

No one wants to get the call from school that their child has a fever or be woken up at night to hear the “I don’t feel good” phrase, but it is just a fact of life. Flu season is ramping up again for the year, and we all need to do our part to reduce caseloads by getting vaccinated.

Bring your entire family by AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte for your flu vaccines this fall, and read on to learn more about the importance of this helpful shot.

Who Is Eligible for the Flu Vaccine?

The flu vaccine has been studied for years and has been proven really safe and effective for anyone over the age of 6 months. As long as you are not allergic to any of the ingredients, the shot will provide safe and effective protection against the current circulating flu strains.

The shot changes a bit year to year to mirror the most common strains, so getting it annually gives you and your kids the best protection. It is recommended that everyone get their flu shot in September or October of every year because it takes about two weeks for the antibodies to build up in your system. You certainly want those antibodies developed and ready to go during the height of the flu season!

Reasons Why You Should Vaccinate Your Kids

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 other children who cannot get the vaccine.
It can keep any symptoms mild.

Can the Flu Be Dangerous for Kids?

While it is important to remember that the majority of flu cases stay mild and never become serious or life-threatening, there is always the chance that a severe infection occurs. Children naturally have smaller breathing passages, and any sort of irritation or inflammation in that area can pose a serious health risk.

Respiratory distress could appear as shallow, rapid breathing, a loss of consciousness, or blue skin or lips, so keep an eye on your child and seek medical attention right away if you notice these signs. For mild to moderate cases, encourage rest, offer plenty of fluids and treat any unpleasant symptoms with some OTC medication if desired. Stay healthy out there!

Prioritize Your Family’s Health This Season

Get your annual flu shots.
Teach proper handwashing.
Avoid others if they are sick.
Make healthy meals and encourage hydration.
Make sleep a priority for everyone.

We want you to stay as healthy as possible this season. Stop by AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte for your flu shot.

Can I Tell the Difference Between Strep Throat and COVID-19?

American Family Care | Pineville, NC — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 10:08:06 UTC

Getting sick at this time of year is common, and it will be even more common as the colder months approach. Spending more time indoors surrounded by people increases your exposure to all kinds of viruses and bacteria.

If you start to experience a sore throat, it may be due to an impending infection. COVID-19, strep throat and influenza all have the ability to cause a sore throat, among other frustrating symptoms.

Come see us at AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte for a rapid test! Read on to learn more about the similarities between these illnesses and why getting tested is important.

What Symptoms Should I Look For?

Infections are really contagious and can be spread through direct contact with infected people, by breathing in respiratory droplets from an uncovered cough or sneeze, or by touching an infected surface and then not washing your hands. Strep throat is bacterial while COVID-19 and the flu are viral, but they can all make you feel pretty sick once you start experiencing symptoms.

A sore throat, fever, headache and body aches are common for all three infections, so you may not know immediately what illness is making you feel sick. That’s why a rapid test is important! They can help pinpoint your illness in a matter of minutes that can then lead us into a more reliable diagnosis and treatment plan.

Rapid Tests We Perform at AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte

COVID-19
Influenza
Strep throat

Are There Any Differences in Symptoms for Strep Throat and COVID-19?

Strep throat tends to affect your throat more specifically than COVID-19, causing severe pain when swallowing, swollen tonsils or causes white patches to appear on the back of your throat. If you notice any of these symptoms, a quick visit to us for a diagnosis and a prescription for a round of antibiotics will have you feeling better in just a few days.

COVID-19 and the flu share similar symptoms, but the exposure time and duration of the illnesses is where they differ. The flu can have you feeling really sick in two or three days after exposure, while COVID-19 can take up to two weeks to cause symptoms, and those symptoms tend to last longer than flu symptoms. In any case, rest and hydration are key to feeling better faster, and one of the antiviral drugs on the market can help minimize or control your symptom severity.

Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Runny nose
Fever

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

Are COVID-19 Cases Rising in the Charlotte Area?

American Family Care | Pineville, NC — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 10:04:58 UTC

If you have started hearing about COVID-19 again in the news, it’s because cases are slowly starting to rise around the country. We have slowly started to see an uptick in cases in the Charlotte area as well, so it is time to refresh everyone’s memory about COVID-19 and its symptoms.

We don’t want you to panic, but being prepared for the possibility of getting sick again can help you take action quicker if you do start experiencing symptoms.

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte team explains more about the current COVID-19 symptoms and other facts you should know.

Is COVID-19 Still Spread the Same Way?

Yes! While the virus is constantly mutating into different strains, the transmission from person to person remains the same. If you are near an infected person and he or she coughs or sneezes, you could get sick. You could also get sick if you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your face.

Getting tested for COVID-19 as soon as you start experiencing symptoms is still the best practice. Early testing ensures that you receive an accurate diagnosis faster and then you can quarantine yourself earlier to avoid spreading it around. Early testing also allows you quicker access to treatment options like antiviral drugs.

Signs and Symptoms of a COVID-19 Infection

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

Should I Get a COVID-19 Booster?

As of mid-September, the recommendation is for everyone to receive a dose of the newly reformulated vaccine, regardless of whether you have received past doses. The vaccine remains one of the most reliable ways of avoiding severe illness, so we recommend them to everyone who is eligible.

While the COVID-19 vaccine does offer reliable protection from the infection, breakthrough cases are still possible, and it is also possible to get sick with COVID-19 more than once in a season. Keeping an eye on how you feel and taking action as soon as you start to notice any signs of a severe infection can help you stay safe.

COVID-19 Symptoms That Should Receive Medical Attention

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 South Charlotte.

How Long Does It Take for a Fever to Go Away on Its Own?

American Family Care | Pineville, NC — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 10:09:03 UTC

The kids are back in school, fall sports seasons are well underway, and you hopefully have your new family’s routine down and it seems like its smooth sailing. Except wait—the school just called and one of your children has a fever.

This time of year is common for kids to get sick when everyone comes back together under one roof again. Fevers are one of the most common symptoms of illness, so don’t immediately panic as you get in the car to go pick up your child.

While having a fever might not be the most pleasant part of your child’s day, it actually serves an important purpose. Read on as our AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte team explains more about fevers below.

Why Do We Get Fevers?

Our bodies have an incredible way of taking care of us. They know what we need and what we don’t on a daily basis, and they will jump into action to get rid of anything that could be dangerous or harmful. When we contract an illness, our immune systems will kick into high gear to help.

A fever is one of the first immune responses that will occur. The rise in temperature creates a more hostile environment for the virus or bacteria to grow and replicate, and it slows down this process so your immune system can work more effectively. The fever will eventually fade away as your body fights the infection.

Common Reasons for Fevers

Influenza
Ear infections
Chickenpox
Respiratory infections
Urinary tract infections

How Long Do Fevers Last?

Every person and illness is different, so there is no hard deadline for when a fever will end. However, most minor fevers last from only a few hours to two days. After that, the majority of people’s immune systems will have won the fight at that point and the infection will be gone.

While having a more serious fever is rare, you should keep an eye out for a fever that lasts longer than three days, reaches 103 degrees or won’t be treated with OTC medication. These instances can indicate a more serious underlying condition and should always be checked out by a medical provider.

Potential Symptoms That Accompany High Fevers

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 South Charlotte any day of the week.

What Is a CBC Test?

American Family Care | Pineville, NC — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 10:04:47 UTC

Feeling sick can make your entire week grind to a halt. It can be hard to run errands, head to work or even relax without feeling uncomfortable. Naturally, you want to get to the root of your symptoms as quickly as possible so you can feel better.

That’s where we come in! Our team is dedicated to providing you with the most accurate diagnosis as possible, and we use a combination of our knowledge and diagnostic tools to help us along the way.

Our AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte center is proud to have a state-of-the-art lab right on site! Read on to learn more about how having a lab at our disposal can help you feel better faster.

What Kinds of Tests Can Be Processed Through the Lab?

Testing for various illnesses is easy at AFC. To start, we have a variety of rapid tests at our disposal that can detect the flu, COVID-19, strep throat or RSV in as little as 10 minutes! That’s just about as fast as you can get a diagnosis, and we are proud to be able to do so for you. We can do urinalysis and cultures right in our lab that can detect signs of infection in a single visit.

We also have the ability to do blood tests, like a CBC. A CBC is a complete blood count and is processed by taking a sample of your blood and running it through our machines to count and measure the different types of blood cells in your blood. If your red or white blood cells or platelet count is too high or low, it can give us a great place to start when digging into your diagnosis.

Possible Diagnoses After a Blood Test

Anemia
An infection
Immune system disorders
Blood diseases

What Causes Anemia?

Your blood can tell a lot about you because it has such an important job! Any sort of deviation from the normal blood cell counts will impact your body’s ability to function the way it should. Anemia is one of the conditions you can develop when your body is out of balance. Anemia is diagnosed when your red blood cell count is lower than it should be.

Anemia can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fatigue and lightheadedness. Coming in to see us whenever you feel sick or just “off” is a great place to start. We will work hard to provide you with the most accurate diagnosis possible so you can get back to feeling like your old self right away.

Treating Anemia At Home

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 prescribed.

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

Why Is Smoking Bad for Me and My Family?

American Family Care | Pineville, NC — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 10:08:15 UTC

Smoking tobacco directly impacts your health in a negative way. In addition to increasing the risk of serious diseases and complications, this addictive habit can start to affect your physical appearance over time as well.

You are introducing thousands of chemicals into your body every time you smoke, and those chemicals actually affect your family members as well. Taking steps to give up this unhealthy habit can help your entire family live a healthier life.

Our AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte understands how difficult it can be to break a bad habit, but we explain more about the dangers of smoking below to hopefully inspire you to make a change.

Can I Just Cut Back on My Smoking Habit?

We really recommend doing the work to quit entirely. Any amount of cigarette smoke is bad for your health, so taking the steps to quit will provide the biggest payoff for you. Did you know that within 10 seconds of your first inhale, the chemicals will have traveled to all your major organs like your brain, liver and lungs?

These toxic chemicals compound over time and will start to affect your organs. Tar will build up in your lungs, your liver will have a hard time working efficiently and your heart will start to experience strain and inefficiency. In addition, sagging skin, hair loss, premature wrinkles and even different forms of cancer become possibilities.

The Risks of Chronic Smoking

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

How Will Quitting Help My Family Be Healthier?

Secondhand smoke is a serious health risk to everyone in your household. Even if you do your best to smoke outside, that smoke will still make its way into your house via open windows, your clothes and your hair. This chronic exposure increases your children’s and spouse’s risk of the same diseases as you have as well as the increased risk for asthma or other respiratory issues.

If you are struggling to quit for yourself, do it for your family! Getting these chemicals out of your home will help everyone live a healthier and cleaner life. Focusing on your “why” can help you stick to your goals when times get tough and the cravings become intense.

Tips for Starting the Quitting Process

Find your reason why.
Research different medication options.
Consider counseling.
Surround yourself with positive support.

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

Can Undiagnosed STDs Cause Side Effects?

American Family Care | Pineville, NC — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 10:04:32 UTC

Getting sick can always make you a little anxious, because infections and other types of illnesses can sometimes be unpredictable. Whether you are experiencing a common cold or something more, it is always important to keep an eye on your symptoms and treat your condition when you can.

This is especially true when it comes to STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases. STDs not only have the ability to make you feel pretty uncomfortable now, but they can also have lasting effects if they aren’t treated.

Our AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte team wants you to stay healthy and avoid chronic issues later in life, so read on to learn more about the importance of testing for and treating STDs.

How Fast Do STD Symptoms Appear?

There are over 20 types of STDs, and each one acts a little differently. Some cases can appear after a couple days following an exposure, while some can grow and spread without ever producing symptoms!

This is why routine STD testing is important if you are sexually active. You might be spreading something to your partner without realizing it, and vice versa. Come see us for a quick STD test! Our center is equipped with a variety of rapid tests that can help diagnose many different possible STDs.

STD Symptoms to Watch For

Burning with urination
Abnormal discharge
Pain during or after intercourse
Itching or general discomfort

What STDs Can AFC’s Tests Detect?

We can test for any of the 20+ STDs, but the most common STDs that we see in our center are chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HPV. In any case, we will start your visit with a full health history and determine what type of tests to run. Then we will either do a physical swab, blood draw or take a urine sample and run it through our lab.

If any tests come back positive, we can walk you through the different treatment options and help you on the path to wellness that very same day! Failing to treat an STD can lead to some serious complications later in life. In addition to the increased risk for pelvic inflammatory disease, you are also at risk for experiencing fertility troubles or pregnancy complications. Getting tested often can help you avoid all that and have the future you always dreamed of.

Make Your Health a Priority

Test frequently/before a new relationship, even if you have no symptoms.
Get vaccinated against hepatitis A, hepatitis B and HPV.
Communicate any diagnoses with partner.
Always wear a condom.

We are always here for you. Stop by for an STD test today at AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte.

What Happens if I Don’t Notice a Tick Bite?

American Family Care | Pineville, NC — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 10:07:39 UTC

If you have been out enjoying the beautiful summer weather in the Charlotte area, you are certainly not alone! We are grateful for all of the outdoor adventures and opportunities our community offers during this time of year. What we aren’t grateful for, however, are ticks and tick bites.

You are at risk of experiencing a tick bite whenever you are outside, but it is much more common in the summer. Not all ticks are dangerous, but some of them can be carrying Lyme disease, which can make you really sick.

Our AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte team wants you to stay safe while enjoying the summer season, so read on to learn more about tick bites and the signs of Lyme disease.

Why Do Ticks Attach to Your Skin?

Ticks can be found all over the country, and they survive by attaching to the skin of warm-blooded animals to drink their blood. They will also drink ours, too, if the opportunity presents itself! Ticks can be found on leaves in the trees, on long grasses, or on shrubs or bushes. If you brush up against them, they can attach to your clothing and start to crawl.

Ticks are really small, and many people can’t feel them crawling on their skin. If you don’t notice it right away, it could easily embed itself into your skin without you realizing it. Once you discover the tick, your main focus should be removing it entirely as quickly as you can. Ticks carrying Lyme disease need to be attached to you for at least 36 hours to transmit the disease, so work fast!

Tips for Easy Tick Removal

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 or toilet.
Wash your hands and the bite site thoroughly.

How Common Is Lyme Disease?

There are millions of ticks out there, and only around 30,000 people contract Lyme disease annually, so the chances of you getting sick aren’t very high. So once you remove the tick from your body, take a deep breath and try to relax. All you need to do afterward is watch how you feel over the course of the next month.

Lyme disease can appear anywhere from three to 30 days after the initial tick bite and can cause headaches, a lingering fever, body aches or chills, or that classic bulls-eye rash around the bite site. If you start to feel sick, the best thing to do is be seen immediately! Lyme disease can become serious or can lead to chronic issues like fatigue and joint pain.

When an AFC Visit Is Recommended

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 South Charlotte.

Can a Fracture Be Diagnosed at AFC?

American Family Care | Pineville, NC — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 10:04:36 UTC

Getting sick is usually a lot more common than getting injured. Colds, the flu and ear infections happen all the time, and you are probably familiar with how to treat them. It might not be the same situation when you get hurt!

Minor injuries like bruises and scrapes are relatively easy to deal with, but what if you slip and fall or trip over something in your house and are left with a searing pain in your wrist or ankle? While it might just be a sprain or strain, it could be something more serious like a broken bone.

Our AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte team can help diagnose your fracture! Read on to learn more about our X-ray process below.

Why Do Bones Partially Fracture Instead of Completely Breaking?

Our bones have such an important role in our lives, so they need to be strong enough to support us through our days and protect our organs. This strength is crucial to avoiding injuries on a daily basis, and they can even withstand moderate impacts and falls without much worry.

However, bones aren’t indestructible and will suffer fractures or breaks if enough force is exerted on them. If the force is strong enough, the bone will snap under the pressure. But remember, our bones are tough! If the impact isn’t strong enough to completely break your bone, a crack could appear as it starts to give way. Pain at the injury site, swelling or a visual deformity should prompt you to come see us right away.

Four Common Fracture Sites

Wrists
Ankles
Hips
Clavicle (collarbone)

How Can AFC Diagnose Fractures?

With a simple X-ray, of course! We have the state-of-the-art digital X-ray technology at our center to help us diagnose you faster and more accurately. This type of X-ray is uploaded onto our computer rather than developed on film. This digital image is able to be blown up, zoomed in on and frozen so we can get a clearer picture of what is causing your pain.

A regular bone will show up white in an X-ray, while a fracture or break will show as a dark space on your bone. If we determine that your injury is a fracture, we can discuss the best treatment strategy so it heals quickly and properly. A full recovery is on the horizon for you!

Why an X-ray Is Important

Fast diagnosis
Clear and precise images
Quick turnaround
Faster healing

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

How Can I Engage My Brain Every Day?

American Family Care | Pineville, NC — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:08:25 UTC

If you are a parent or a caregiver, you know that the key to success lies in your routine. Having a predictable schedule of work, school, sports and bedtime can help you tackle each day and week with confidence.

As you work through your week, it can be easy to forget about your own needs and well-being, but try not to let that happen! Taking time for yourself is crucial to your overall health and even the health of your family.

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte team explains how to challenge your brain and support your overall health below.

How Does Exercise Support My Mental Health?

We know you hear it all the time, but regular exercise is an essential part of your health. Not only is it crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and strong muscles and bones, but it also helps support a healthier mental state.

It can help support your focus and give you a positive self-esteem boost, and the endorphins can help you feel better after a stressful day. If you struggle staying focused or finding the motivation to exercise, find a workout buddy that can help you stay on track. This quality time with a friend can also be beneficial for your social and emotional health.

Health Benefits of Exercise

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

Can I Engage My Brain While Relaxing?

Yes! One of the great things about challenging your brain is that you can do it in a variety of ways. As long as you are making yourself think outside the box or problem-solve, your brain is getting in a good workout. Word finds, crossword puzzles, sudoku and card games are all great places to start.

Even just relaxing with a good book can help spark your imagination and can encourage you to think differently. Find a new hobby or spend time exploring a new creative outlet. The options are truly endless!

Other Ways to Support Your Brain Health

Avoid smoking and other forms of tobacco.
Don’t abuse alcohol.
Protect your head from injury by wearing a helmet.

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

How Fast Will a Sunburn Go Away?

American Family Care | Pineville, NC — Mon, 15 May 2023 10:04:16 UTC

Are you a die-hard summer fan? We love this weather, too! The warm temperatures and bright sunshine can easily put you in a better mood. There are also so many fun activities to keep the whole family busy outside all season.

But even though the sun is out and it’s time to enjoy the weather, you need to take precautions whenever you are exposed to the sun. A sunburn is never a good thing, and it can cause irreparable harm to your skin and your health over your lifetime.

Our AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte team explains how to prevent a sunburn and how to treat one below, so read on to learn more.

Why Is Skin Sensitive to the Sun?

The sun is necessary for life and for keeping our vitamin D levels in check, but the rays that it produces are actually harmful to your skin. The rays infiltrate your skin and damage the cell DNA within your skin and cause a reaction. This reaction is a sunburn, which inflames your skin and turns it red and painful.

This reaction is a direct reflection of the damage done to your skin. Most mild sunburns will go away in three to five days on their own, but more severe burns can take a couple of weeks. Your skin may start to peel and it may be really sensitive during this healing process.

Treating a Sunburn Gently

Apply a cool, wet cloth to the skin.
Apply aloe gel or a moisturizing lotion.
Drink plenty of water.
Stay out of the sun.

What Are the Best Ways to Avoid Sun Damage?

By avoiding the sun, of course! Seeking the shade whenever you are outside gives you the best protection from the harshest rays, and try to avoid being exposed to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., as the sun is the strongest during this time. You also need to prioritize wearing sunscreen whenever you are outside, even when it is cloudy. Pick a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply it every two hours while outdoors.

If you do still end up getting burned, treat it gently with the methods mentioned above and try to stay out of the sun the next time you are outdoors. Each sunburn you receive increases your chances of premature wrinkles, sun spots and even developing skin cancer.

Skin Changes to Have Evaluated

A new change to your skin, like a growth or sore
A changing mole
Skin itchiness
The appearance of a lump under the skin

Sun safety is crucial throughout your life. If you are worried about a potential sign of skin cancer, come see us at AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte.

What Happens if Kids Get Salmonella?

American Family Care | Pineville, NC — Mon, 01 May 2023 10:07:08 UTC

You never want to see your kids not feeling well. It can be a stressful and even scary experience for your child to be in pain or be sick! One of the more common reasons for why your child might be ill is due to some kind of infection.

While a salmonella infection isn’t as common as some other types of infections, it is still a possibility. Salmonella infections are caused by consuming contaminated food or water, so most of the time you don’t know you are exposing yourself to the bacteria until it is too late.

If you are concerned that your child has a salmonella infection, our AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte team has all the answers below.

How Did My Child Even Contract Salmonella?

A salmonella infection is caused by a bacteria called salmonella, hence the name. This bacteria often lives in the intestines of animals and is found in animal feces. If you eat undercooked meat or eggs from an infected animal or unwashed fruit or vegetables, you are at risk of contracting salmonella.

This is why you really shouldn’t let your little ones lick the cookie dough spatulas! Salmonella can exist in raw eggs, so make sure your children wait until the cookies are done baking before enjoying. If your child does get sick, symptoms tend to appear within eight to 72 hours of the exposure.

Salmonella Symptoms in Children

Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Fever
Nausea
Headache

Do I Need to Take My Child to AFC for Salmonella?

Not in every case! Most cases of salmonella resolve on their own without medical intervention in about a week or so. Once your child overcomes the infection, he or she will start to feel better really quickly. In the meantime, encourage rest and proper hydration. Diarrhea can quickly dehydrate little bodies, so keep offering water as often as possible.

If you are ever concerned about any of your child’s symptoms, come see us! Infants and children with compromised immune systems can experience a more severe infection, so keep a close eye on how your child is feeling. Lingering symptoms or a high fever that won’t break should be evaluated by our team.

Signs of a More Severe Salmonella Infection

Symptoms last more than a few days
Bloody stools
A high-grade fever of 102 degrees or higher that won’t go away
Signs of severe dehydration

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

How Can I Make My Allergies Go Away?

American Family Care | Pineville, NC — Sat, 15 Apr 2023 10:04:07 UTC

Spring is here, and we are so glad to welcome it! After an interesting winter, the warmer weather and sunny days are a happy change. But those with seasonal allergies may not be as excited about the new season.

While seasonal allergies aren’t life-threatening, they can still be really annoying! Our AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte team explains how to help manage your allergy symptoms this year, so check it out below.

Where Do Seasonal Allergies Come From?

Allergies occur when a person’s body launches an immune response against a substance that it deems as dangerous. Allergies to foods like peanuts and shellfish can be life-threatening, while seasonal allergies are usually more of a nuisance.

If you have seasonal allergies, your body has mistakenly recognized pollen as a danger to your body. Because of this, it will work hard to eliminate the pollen from your body. Histamine is produced to help this process along, which is where your constantly runny nose and itchy eyes come from.

Seasonal Allergy Symptoms for All Ages

Runny nose
Itchy, watery or red eyes
Sneezing
Headache

Can I Treat My Allergies on My Own?

The good news is that seasonal allergy symptoms won’t last forever. Once your triggers are no longer present in the air, your symptoms should subside. That doesn’t mean the current weeks aren’t miserable, though. The best way to combat your symptoms is to understand your specific allergy triggers and avoid them as much as possible.

For example, keep your windows shut on windy days and maybe rethink that outdoor music festival on the edge of a blooming forest. If you are having trouble managing your symptoms, come see us! Our team can chat with you and help come up with the best treatment plan, including choosing the right OTC allergy medication for your symptoms. Remember, while seasonal allergies aren’t life-threatening, serious allergic reactions can be. So make sure to know what is an emergency situation and what is not.

When a Reaction Is an Emergency

A developing rash or hives
Swelling of tongue, lips or throat
Trouble breathing
Dizziness or fainting

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