You’ve likely heard mono (medically known as mononucleosis) referred to as the “kissing disease” before, but do you know why that is? Mono is most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is transmitted through bodily fluids, such as saliva. So, when you “swap spit” with someone who has mono, you’ll likely be getting more than you asked for. Our AFC Urgent Care Gastonia team provides more helpful info on mono below, so keep reading! Read on →

Recently, the CDC has gone on record in saying that COVID-19 breakthrough infections are much more likely than they used to be. But, why? Our AFC Urgent Care Gastonia team provides some answers below, so read on! Why Do Breakthrough Infections Happen? Breakthrough infections—infections that happen when a person tests positive for COVID-19 at least two weeks after becoming fully vaccinated, including receiving a booster shot when eligible—are much more common with the omicron variant than they were with any other variant. Read on →

It’s no coincidence that people become sick more frequently in the winter. According to the CDC, the flu and other viruses are at their peak between December and February every year. But why is this the case? Our AFC Urgent Care Gastonia team has some helpful answers for you, so read on! What Causes Viral Infections to Increase in the Winter? One of the most prevalent causes for the rise in viral diseases is the cold weather. Read on →

When or if your kids get croup, it can be scary. While croup itself isn’t a very harmful infection, it sounds harmful, due to the eerie, barking cough that kids experience when they get this infection. Our AFC Urgent Care Gastonia team provides more info on croup below, so keep reading! What Is Croup? Croup is a respiratory infection that is most often caused by the parainfluenza virus. It causes upper respiratory inflammation and swelling, which can result in noisy, difficult breathing and a loud, “barking” cough. Read on →

Strep throat is common during the winter, and it’s most common among children. Due to strep throat being spread by contact and airborne droplets, it often spread in schools. If your child gets sick with strep throat, though, antibiotics can ensure that your child will feel good as new in a few days. Failure to treat strep throat can result in concerning side effects, and our AFC Urgent Care Gastonia team further explains why below. Read on →

Fevers aren’t pleasant to experience, to say the least. Although they’re common with all viral infections, it doesn’t make them any less uncomfortable to deal with. Luckily, though, there are some things you can do at home to ease your fever and bring down your body temperature. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia share some further information about the flu and what you can do to break a fever below. Read on →

At home, falls happen too often. More than one in four people over the age of 65 will fall in a given year, and only half of those people tell someone when a fall happens. When a person falls once, it doubles his or her chances of a second fall. As you age, or if you have an elderly loved on in your home, it’s important to know and eliminate fall hazards. Read on →

Oftentimes, migraines can be mistaken as sinus headaches. While both types of headaches are painful, one is a sign of an infection while the other isn’t. Our AFC Urgent Care Gastonia team provides helpful information on both types of headaches below, so keep reading! What Are Sinus Headaches? Sinus headaches are a common symptom of sinusitis, or a sinus infection. When a sinus infection occurs, the sinuses become clogged with fluid, which cause pressure and pain in the cheekbones and the bridge of the nose. Read on →

The flu and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses, but they’re two totally different viruses. Even though they’re different, how are you supposed to know which one you’re sick with once you start to show symptoms? Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia provides some helpful answers. How Are the Flu and COVID-19 Different? Although both are respiratory illnesses, they’re caused by two different viruses. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, while COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2. Read on →

Thankfully, ringworm isn’t quite as scary as it sounds. This skin fungus doesn’t actually have anything to do with worms at all, and it’s highly treatable. Our AFC Urgent Care Gastonia team provides more information on ringworm below, so keep reading! What Is Ringworm? Ringworm is a rash caused by a fungal infection. It’s usually an itchy, circular rash with clearer skin in the middle. Ringworm gets its name because of its appearance—not because a worm is involved, as we said earlier. Read on →