AFC Urgent Care Mooresville Blog on AFC Urgent Care Mooresville Blog

How Can I Avoid Getting Sick This Holiday Season?

American Family Care | Mooresville, NC — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 11:07:12 UTC

The holidays are here, and we are so excited! No matter which holidays you observe and the traditions you partake in, you want to be able to stay as healthy as possible to not miss out on the fun ahead.

While that may seem overwhelming or even impossible to do at times, there are strategies that you can use every day to avoid getting sick before your important festivities.

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville team explains some different ways to avoid illness as you ring in the holiday season.

How Can I Avoid Infection?

The key to avoid getting sick at this time of year is to take care of yourself. There are all kinds of infections and illnesses circulating around us at any given time, so if you are feeling rundown or less than your best, an infection can easily get past your immune system and make you lounge on the couch for days or longer.

Wash your hands often with warm water and soap and try to avoid spending time in large crowds, especially if you know someone in the gathering is sick. Aim for between seven and nine hours of sleep each night, and eat a healthy diet. All of this comes together to ensure your body has what it needs to stay healthy, and it supports a stronger immune system that can fight off illness more effectively if you are feeling your best.

Additional Holiday Health Tips

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

How Can I Avoid Foodborne Illness?

One of the more unsuspecting category of illnesses that can take you by surprise at this time of year is foodborne illnesses. You may be a great cook or your mother-in-law may whip up a wonderful table spread, but there is always the risk that someone will get sick the longer the food sits out.

Be sure to prepare any meat to its recommended temperature, and have everyone begin eating soon after the meal has been served. Store any leftovers promptly and toss any perishable food that has been sitting out for over two hours. The longer it sits out, the higher the risk of bacteria growing on it that can make everyone at your gathering feel really ill just a few days later.

Additional Food Safety Tips

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 Mooresville if you aren’t feeling well.

What Does RSV Feel Like?

American Family Care | Mooresville, NC — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:09:40 UTC

It’s that time of year again when illnesses are running rampant, kids are coming home sick from school, and you are opening yet another email about the spread of a new illness making its way through your child’s classroom. The fall and winter seasons are great for many things, but not for illnesses.

One category of illnesses that are particularly frustrating for parents is upper respiratory infection. They can make your kids feel really sick, but they can also be dangerous at times.

Our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville team explains more about upper respiratory infections and RSV in particular below.

Is RSV Really Contagious?

RSV is one kind of upper respiratory infection that affects the breathing passages. It settles somewhere in the respiratory system and irritates and inflames its airways. For most adults, RSV is a mild annoyance and will cause minor symptoms. Kids can have a much harder time overcoming the illness because their airways are so small.

Since your child’s airway is really small, any sort of inflammation in the respiratory system in children can be dangerous or can easily cause short or shallow breathing. This irritation can make it harder to breathe normally, which can become a medical emergency in a short amount of time. If your child begins to experience mild cold-like symptoms, keep a close eye on him or her in the coming days.

Symptom Onset for RSV

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

When Should See a Doctor for RSV?

Minor symptoms or mild irritation are not considered a medical emergency, but the symptoms can still be annoying! Treat any fevers or pesky coughs with a trusted OTC medication and encourage as much rest as possible. Your little one’s immune system is working really hard, so the rest is necessary for a faster recovery.

If he or she starts to feel better in a few days, chances are that a full recovery is right around the corner. Unfortunately, some cases do progress into severe infections that require prompt medical attention. Seek immediate medical care if your child starts to exhibit signs of respiratory distress.

Dangerous Symptoms of Respiratory Distress

Shallow breathing
Blue skin or fingernails
Feeling lethargic or extremely tired
Chest pain

RSV can be dangerous. We are always here for you at AFC Urgent Care Mooresville.

Can I Avoid the Flu Without Getting the Flu Shot?

American Family Care | Mooresville, NC — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 10:05:08 UTC

If you are an overall healthy person and don’t often get sick, that is amazing! Your health is your greatest asset, and you should never take it for granted.

That said, getting sick is not always preventable, and even if you have a history of staying healthy during this time of year, it is not a guarantee. The flu, COVID-19 and strep throat are all around us all of the time, so the chance that you will get sick is always there.

Getting your annual flu shot at AFC Urgent Care Mooresville can help you stay healthy!

What Does the Flu Shot Do?

Influenza circulates through our community all of the time and typically peaks during the fall and winter seasons when we spend more of our time indoors. You will most likely come into contact with it at some point this season, but if you have the flu shot, your body can help fight off the infection!

The flu shot contains bits of deactivated influenza virus, which kickstarts an immune response in your body to build antibodies against it. These antibodies take about two weeks to develop, but once you have them, your body will be able to recognize the flu and fight it off faster and more effectively.

Why You Should Get the Flu Shot

It reduces your risk of death from the flu.
It can control symptom severity if you do get sick.
It can reduce the amount of days you are sick.
It can help with herd immunity.

Will the Flu Shot Make Me Sick?

The flu shot cannot give you the flu because there is no live virus in it. You may feel run down for a day or two afterward, but that is just a sign that your body is working hard to create those antibodies. If you come down with the actual flu within that two-week window, you were bound to get the flu anyway as those antibodies were not fully formed yet.

The majority of people will just experience minor to moderate symptoms and will make a full recovery after about a week or so. Keep an eye on how you feel and come see us if your fever reaches over 103 degrees or you are experiencing shortness of breath.

Tips for a Flu-Free Year

Get your annual flu shot.
Wash hands regularly for 20 seconds each time with warm water and soap.
Avoid others if they are sick.
Eat well and stay hydrated.
Make sleep a priority.

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

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

American Family Care | Mooresville, NC — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 10:06:18 UTC

Cold and flu season is here, there is no denying that. We encourage everyone in the Mooresville area to get plenty of rest, eat well and take care of yourself during this time of year.

While focusing on your health and wellness can go a long way toward keeping you healthy, illnesses can creep in when we least expect them. COVID-19, strep throat and the flu are all possibilities as we head into the colder months.

Our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville team explains more about the similarities and differences between these three infections, so read on to learn more.

How Are Strep Throat, the Flu and COVID-19 Similar?

While they do share certain similarities, all three infections are caused by something different. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-COV2 virus, the flu is caused by a strain of the influenza virus, and strep throat is caused by the group A streptococcus bacteria. The transmission remains the same, however! Interacting with an infected person or touching an infected surface and then touching your face can cause you to get sick in a couple of days.

Your body will start to launch an immune system response when you do get sick, and the initial symptoms for all three illnesses can be similar. A fever, body aches, a headache and a sore throat are all possibilities for all three illnesses. We recommend coming to see us for a rapid test so we can treat you most accurately!

Illnesses That Our Rapid Tests Can Detect

COVID-19
Influenza
Strep throat

How Is Strep Throat Different?

While COVID-19 and the flu can be harder to differentiate, strep throat symptoms will often settle around your throat. Severe pain when swallowing, swollen tonsils and white patches at the back of your throat are symptoms that are typically associated with strep throat. A simple round of antibiotics should have you feeling better in a couple of days.

COVID-19 and the flu share many different symptoms, but the onset and duration is a bit different. You tend to get sick with the flu within two to three days of exposure, while COVID-19 can take up to two weeks to cause symptoms and those symptoms usually last longer in duration. Stop by for a rapid test any day of the week!

Symptoms Shared by COVID-19 and the Flu

Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Runny nose
Fever

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

Can Kids Still Get COVID-19?

American Family Care | Mooresville, NC — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 10:04:08 UTC

The back-to-school season is stressful enough with all of the work, activities, homework and practices to organize, so it can be even more stressful when your child starts to complain about being sick.

We all know that cold and flu season is right around the corner, but his or her illness being COVID-19 is also a possibility. Cases are rising around us, and kids and adults are all vulnerable to contracting it.

Our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville team explains more about COVID-19 this year and what symptoms to watch for, so read on to refresh your memory.

Should I Still Get Tested for COVID-19?

Getting sick is frustrating no matter what you have. Your illness will probably disrupt your routine for the next few days, and for good reason. Removing yourself from work or school can help reduce the spread and keep others around you healthy. While you may not need to test yourself for a minor cold, you should come see us right away for a rapid COVID-19 test if you are experiencing any symptoms.

You may not suffer through a serious infection, but a friend or family member of yours still might. Knowing what you are sick from can help you take the proper social distancing and quarantining precautions. Stop by any day of the week for a test and we can get your results in as little as 15 minutes.

COVID-19 Signs and Symptoms

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

Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Still Available?

It sure is! Getting the newly reformulated COVID-19 vaccine will help boost your immune system as we head into the fall and winter months soon. The latest boosters will be available beginning in late September or October.

While the vaccine is really reliable at helping you avoid COVID-19, breakthrough cases do still happen. Keep an eye on how you feel, stay quarantined and take care of yourself while your body fights the infection. Seek medical attention right away if you notice any of the below symptoms at any point.

Serious COVID-19 Symptoms

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 Mooresville.

Is a Fever That Lasts More Than 3 Days Dangerous?

American Family Care | Mooresville, NC — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 10:07:13 UTC

Now that your kids are back in school, chances are that you have either had an illness sweep through your house already or one will be on the horizon in the coming weeks or months. That’s just what happens at this time of year when everyone gets back together to learn once more.

Many different illnesses and conditions can be floating around at any given time, and one of the most common symptoms associated with regular childhood illnesses is a fever.

A fever itself is not inherently a bad thing! Having a fever actually means that your body is responding appropriately to the infection. Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville team explains more about the benefits of fevers below.

What Does a Fever Do?

When your kids contract an illness, their bodies launch an immune response to help get rid of the invader. Part of this immune response is an elevated temperature. Viruses and bacteria can’t grow and replicate as easily in a warmer environment, so your body temperature will rise to stop the spread.

If your child is not feeling well and feels warm, take his or her temperature. Remember that a true fever is not diagnosed until it reaches 100.4 degrees or higher. If your child is feeling miserable, certainly offer OTC fever-reducing medication. If he or she is otherwise feeling and acting OK, you can let the fever do its thing. Leaving it alone can actually help your child feel better faster.

Common Illnesses That Can Cause Fevers

Strep throat
Influenza
Urinary tract infections
Ear Infections

Can a Fever Be Dangerous?

Yes, but that is not as common as a regular low-grade fever. Most fevers will disappear after a few hours or a day as your child’s body wins the battle over the infection. In some cases, fevers can keep rising and become an issue.

If your child’s fever lasts longer than three days, can’t be lowered with medication, or keeps coming back, come see us. Sometimes a more serious underlying condition is occurring and we can take a look. Remember that we are open seven days a week and you can stop by without an appointment when you need us.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Fever

You have a stiff neck with a fever
If you become easily confused or disoriented
If your fever causes a rash
You experience a seizure due to your fever

If you are concerned about your fever, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Mooresville.

What Lab Tests Are Offered at AFC Urgent Care Mooresville?

American Family Care | Mooresville, NC — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 10:04:00 UTC

We are the experts in testing, evaluating and diagnosing patients! We do it all day every day so we know a thing or two about common illnesses and classic symptoms. However, certain conditions can be harder to recognize right away without a little more investigation.

That’s where diagnostic tools like our X-ray machine and lab come into play! Using these state-of-the-art machines and equipment helps us dig deeper into your condition to provide you with the most accurate diagnosis possible.

Our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville team explains more below about our lab and what tests we offer, so check it out.

How Quickly Can the Lab Diagnose Me?

Some other local urgent care centers may be able to test you for a variety of conditions, but then will have to send your samples off to another site to be processed. That can greatly increase your time spent waiting and feeling sick. When you come to see us, we can run our tests right in house to provide you with a diagnosis right away. In fact, with our rapid tests for the flu, COVID-19, strep and RSV, you can have your results in as little as 10 minutes!

We can also do urinalysis and cultures right in our center that can help us detect infection. Another common test we run is called a CBC, or a complete blood count. This simple blood test measures and counts the different types of blood cells in your body. Oftentimes, this is the only test we will need to run because your blood can tell us a lot about you.

Possible CBC Test Results

Anemia
An infection
Immune system disorders
Blood diseases

How Can a CBC Diagnose You?

Your blood contains many different types of cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Each type has a range of what is considered normal for the number of cells in your body. If any of these is too high or too low, it can point us in the right direction for a diagnosis.

This is especially true for an anemia diagnosis. Anemia develops when your body fails to produce the proper level of red blood cells. This can lead to dizziness, fatigue, a rapid heartbeat and lightheadedness. A quick CBC can show us that your red blood cell count is low, and we can take some easy steps to fix that for you, like incorporating more iron into your diet.

Tips for Treating Anemia

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 Mooresville.

What’s the Most Reliable Way to Stop Smoking?

American Family Care | Mooresville, NC — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 10:06:29 UTC

If you smoke and want to quit, we are already proud of you for wanting to take steps toward a healthier life. It may be one of the more challenging things you ever do, but the rewards greatly offset the cost of a lifetime of smoking.

Smoking is one of those addictive habits that negatively impacts your life in a multitude of ways, and it can even be the catalyst for developing cancer later in life.

Our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville team wants you to live the healthiest life possible, so read on to get inspired to make a change.

Why Is Nicotine Addictive?

Cigarettes and other forms of tobacco smoking contain a chemical called nicotine. Nicotine is one of the many thousands of toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke, but it is one of the most addictive because it triggers a release of dopamine into your body when you inhale it.

Dopamine is the hormone responsible for helping you feel relaxed, happy and satisfied. Over time, your body and brain become used to this constant feeling and will crave it more and more. These cravings can be really intense when they appear! If you focus on resisting the craving for five to 10 minutes, the most intense feelings should pass and become more manageable to resist.

Diseases Caused By Chronic Tobacco Use

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

How Can I Quit Smoking on My Own?

Quitting smoking is a really personalized experience. While you have probably heard of other people’s success stories and methods, you will have to find what works for you and stick to it. Some people find that nicotine replacement therapy like gum or patches can help, while others may need to find a buddy or support system to help stay focused when the craving hits.

If you have been smoking for years, you may have to change up your lifestyle a bit during this process. Saying no to gatherings at bars or parties can help remove the temptation to light up, and you might have to discover a new hobby or pastime when the urge to smoke arises. We believe in your ability to quit!

Health Benefits of a Smoke-Free Life

Stronger, less damaged lungs
Reduced risk for cancer and other diseases
Improved physical appearance and senses
Eliminated secondhand smoke at home for your family

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

What Happens if I Have an STD and Don’t Know It?

American Family Care | Mooresville, NC — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 10:03:47 UTC

Getting sick is a normal part of life, and for most people, it happens a few times every year. Colds, the flu or strep throat appear with some very obvious symptoms of illness, and you will most likely know right away that you are getting sick.

STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, are a bit trickier to navigate. This is because you could have one and not show any symptoms or feel sick at all!

Routine STD testing is one of the best ways to stop a silent STD in its tracks, and it also helps you and your partner avoid further issues later in life. Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville team explains why!

Can STDs Cause Symptoms?

Certainly! Some STDs show symptoms right away and can be obvious that something is going on.That’s when a quick visit to us can help diagnose you and get you on the path to wellness as soon as possible. However, if you are sexually active, routine testing is the only way of knowing for sure that you are healthy. A silent STD could easily be spread to your partner, and you could wind up with significant health complications as you get older.

Choose our center for quick and convenient testing any day of the week. We have a series of rapid tests available that can give you results in as little as 30 minutes. We simply take a swab, urine sample or blood sample and run it through our lab.

Common STD Symptoms

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

What STDs Does AFC Test For?

Did you know that there are over 20 different types of STDs? Many of them share symptoms, which can make it hard to know what you are suffering from on your own. We can diagnose and treat your STD, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis or HPV.

Quick testing and treatment is crucial to your fertility and long-term health. If you don’t treat an STD, you could experience infertility troubles, pregnancy complications like preterm birth and certain serious diseases like pelvic inflammatory disease. Stop by any day of the week for a quick test so you can stay as healthy as possible.

Tips for Maintaining Your Health

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 Mooresville.

Should I Worry About Tick Bites?

American Family Care | Mooresville, NC — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 10:06:14 UTC

We love summertime here in the Mooresville area. The sun, water and abundance of family fun make it a wonderful time of year. One thing that is not so fun is the arrival of bugs, specifically ticks. Finding a tick on yourself after a day spent outside can be really frustrating!

You should work on removing the entire tick as soon as you discover it on your body to reduce your risk for Lyme disease.

Our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville team explains more about tick bites and when to worry about them below, so read on to learn more.

How Do You Know if a Tick Bite Is Dangerous?

The good news is that the majority of tick bites are just a nuisance and, once the tick has been removed, there are no long-term effects. The redness and irritation will go away in a few days and you will be good as new! However, certain ticks can carry Lyme disease, which can make you really sick.

If you discover a tick on your body that has not been embedded yet, just simply pull it off and dispose of it. If the tick has already bitten you, work on removing it as quickly as possible. Ticks that are carrying Lyme disease need to be attached to you for at least 36 hours before transmitting the disease, so the faster you act, the better.

Removing a Tick

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 Do I Know If I Have Lyme Disease?

Once the tick has been removed from your body, take a deep breath and try to relax. Remember that not every tick is carrying Lyme disease so it is not a guarantee that you will get sick! Symptoms of Lyme disease usually appear within three to 30 days, so just keep an eye on how you feel and check your body for rashes.

If you start to experience symptoms, be on the lookout for body stiffness, aches, a fever or a headache. In addition, a bullseye-like rash will usually appear around the site of the bite.

When to Come See Our Team

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 Mooresville.

Can AFC Mooresville Treat a Fracture?

American Family Care | Mooresville, NC — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 10:03:52 UTC

Living an active lifestyle is encouraged throughout your life, but that also means opening yourself up to the possibility of injury while you are going about your day. Injuries can happen anywhere, from a fall in the bathroom to a trip down the stairs. As you pick yourself up off the floor, a searing pain in your wrist or ankle can have you wondering the extent of your injury.

Minor injuries like sprains or bruises will eventually heal on their own, but certain injuries like broken bones need to be treated immediately to avoid further injury.

If you are ever worried about an injury you received, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Mooresville for an X-ray, and read on to learn more about our X-ray process.

What Happens When a Bone Fractures?

We all know that our bones are the real heavy lifters in our bodies! In addition to providing your body with the structure it needs, your bones also facilitate movement and help protect your vital organs. They are strong enough to withstand mild to moderate force and are flexible enough to absorb the impact of certain falls or accidents without breaking.

However, we also all know that your bones aren’t indestructible. One misstep or a fall from a high-enough location can become too much pressure on your bones and they can either crack or snap due to the force. If that happens, you will immediately feel the pain and see the swelling. If you have trouble moving the injury without experiencing discomfort or you see a visual deformity, come see us for an X-ray.

Bones That We See Fractures in Often

Wrists
Ankles
Hips
Clavicle (collarbone)

Why Do I Need an X-ray?

If you get hurt, figuring out the extent of your injury and discovering where it is exactly is vital. Ignoring a fracture can increase your risk of worsening the injury or even causing the compromised bone to break entirely. We can do a quick X-ray to help locate the injury and we can discuss treatment options together.

Our digital X-ray machine takes an image of the injury site and then that image is uploaded onto our computer rather than developed on film. This image is clear, crisp and really high quality! We are able to zoom in on certain parts of the image without sacrificing quality, which allows us to diagnose even the smallest of fractures.

X-ray Benefits

Fast diagnosis
Clear and precise images
Quick turnaround
More accurate treatment options

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

What Can I Do to Keep My Brain Engaged?

American Family Care | Mooresville, NC — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:06:45 UTC

There is no doubt about it—life is busy. While your days are full of meal prep, work, chauffeuring your kids around and helping with homework, it can be easy to just fall into a routine of sitting on the couch in the evening in front of the TV.

While we all need to destress and relax after work, there are other things you can do that are relaxing as well as challenging your body and mind.

Keeping your brain engaged every day can help you reduce your risk of experiencing cognitive issues and dementia, and our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville team explains some great ways to do so below.

Why Is Exercise Good for My Brain?

We know that sometimes exercising after a long day is the last thing you want to do! However, finding the motivation to even just get in a quick workout will pay off for you in the long run. Regular exercise can help support your cognitive health more effectively and can also reduce feelings of stress.

Beyond that, it contributes to building neural connections in your brain. These new connections are crucial to your ability to learn new things and retain new memories. All of that is really important as you age, so get moving! It can help to find a friend to workout with you if you need extra support.

Fun Exercises That Challenge Your Brain

Swimming
A daily walk in nature
A fun dance or exercise class
Yard work

What Mental Games Can I Play?

Challenging your brain every day can look different, depending on your interests and the kind of day you had. Each time you focus on a challenging concept or a problem you don’t know the answer to, it challenges your brain to find the solution. This is great for strengthening your neural pathways and is great for memory recall.

There are a variety of ways to do this. Try a new crossword puzzle, a word find, sudoku or even a card game at the end of the night. You can even challenge your brain by discovering a new hobby like knitting or painting. Don’t be afraid to try new things on this journey!

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 brain-healthy foods like fruits and veggies and fatty fish.

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

Will I Notice if I Have Skin Cancer?

American Family Care | Mooresville, NC — Mon, 15 May 2023 10:03:34 UTC

A cancer diagnosis is always scary and can feel overwhelming no matter what type of cancer you are diagnosed with. While some cancers can go undetected for a long time, thankfully many cases will show signs that indicate something is amiss.

One of the indications that further investigation is required is when you discover a change to your skin or an evolving mole.

Our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville team wants you to know the signs of skin cancer so you can take action quickly, so read on to learn the facts.

Is All Skin Cancer the Same?

Every skin cancer diagnosis is unique, but there are three basic categories that most cases fit into. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma can affect each person differently. Basal cell and squamous cell tend to appear on the parts of your body that are exposed to the sun most often, like your neck or face. These spots can appear as waxy bumps, little red nodules or as sores that heal and then open up again continually.

Melanoma is the type of skin cancer that more commonly appears anywhere on your body. It can grow on its own on an unsuspecting patch of skin or it can form around a mole and cause the mole to change in color or size.

Signs of Potential Skin Cancer

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

How Can I Protect My Skin From Skin Cancer?

Prevention takes work throughout your entire life! The biggest priority you should have is avoiding UV rays from the sun and tanning beds. Each sunburn you receive damages your skin’s cells and increases your risk of developing skin cancer.

Seek the shade when possible and you should always have on a layer of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 whenever you are outside, even when it’s cloudy! Wear hats and sunglasses, and avoid tanning beds completely. You would much rather be a little paler than develop a dangerous form of skin cancer, right?

How to Treat a Sunburn Quickly

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

Sun safety is crucial throughout your life. If you notice a change to your skin, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Mooresville.

Is Salmonella an Infection?

American Family Care | Mooresville, NC — Mon, 01 May 2023 10:05:44 UTC

If you have ever had a salmonella infection before, you know how unpleasant they can be! Salmonella bacteria infect the intestinal tract and can cause gastrointestinal symptoms that are really frustrating to deal with.

Salmonella infections are a type of food poisoning you can contract when you come into contact with contaminated food or water. It often shares similar symptoms with common stomach bugs, so it can be hard to tell the difference on your own.

Our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville team explains more about a salmonella infection below, so read on.

Where Does Salmonella Bacteria Come From?

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can live in a variety of conditions. It can be found in animals, on raw fruits and vegetables, in unpasteurized dairy products and raw eggs. It can even be found in water that has been contaminated.

If you consume any of this contaminated food or drink, the bacteria can make its way into your intestinal tract and start to cause you discomfort. This is one of the reasons why you should always follow the temperature guidelines when cooking meat and always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them.

Salmonella Symptoms to Expect

Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Fever
Nausea
Headache

How Long Does a Salmonella Infection Last?

It can vary from person to person, but a typical infection lasts between four and seven days. While you wait to recover, it is important to take care of yourself. Get proper rest, eat foods that agree with your stomach and stay hydrated. It can be easy to become dehydrated when you are experiencing diarrhea, so you need to keep drinking water even if you aren’t notably thirsty.

Most salmonella infections can be managed at home, but certain individuals need to keep a closer eye on their symptoms. Infants, children and adults can all experience more severe infections, and sometimes the infection can spread beyond the intestines. If your symptoms get worse instead of better or you are experiencing any of the warning signs below, come see us!

When to See a Doctor for Salmonella

Your 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 Mooresville for a diagnosis.

What Do Seasonal Allergies Feel Like?

American Family Care | Mooresville, NC — Sat, 15 Apr 2023 10:03:29 UTC

If you are one of the many millions of Americans who experience seasonal allergies, this current season is probably not your favorite. Spring is one of the most common seasons to suffer from seasonal allergy flare-ups due to the rise of pollen in the air.

Seasonal allergies can range from being a minor nuisance to causing you to miss work or school due to being so miserable. If you are looking to find some reliable relief from your symptoms, our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville team gives some helpful tips below.

What Are Allergies?

When you are exposed to a substance that is an allergen, your body launches an immune response to help eliminate the substance from your body. It has recognized that substance as an intruder and is reacting accordingly. This process is similar to when you are exposed to a viral or bacterial infection.

For many people, pollen is not considered a threat! For those who experience seasonal allergies, your body has mistakenly interpreted pollen as a danger, and that is why your immune system kicks into high gear when you are exposed to it.

Seasonal Allergy Symptoms to Expect

Runny nose
Itchy, watery or red eyes
Sneezing
Fatigue

How Can My Allergies Be Treated?

Treatment for your seasonal allergies focuses on managing your symptoms and avoiding your triggers. Pay close attention to the daily pollen levels, and try to avoid going outside if they are high. It is also important to keep your doors and windows closed in your home and your car as much as possible. There’s no reason for you to be experiencing your symptoms in the comfort of your own home!

OTC allergy medication is also a good choice. It can help you manage your most bothersome symptoms. One good rule of thumb is to start taking your allergy medication before you expect to be exposed to pollen or your specific environmental triggers. If you need help figuring out what type of medication is right for you, come see us! Our team can do a full evaluation and come up with a treatment plan for you so you can enjoy a much more comfortable spring season.

Common Seasonal Allergens

Tree pollen
Grass pollen
Ragweed
Mold

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