Not only are the events leading up to an X-ray often unpleasant, but getting an X-ray in and of itself can be a little nerve-wracking. So, what do need to know before getting an X-ray, and is anything required of you that will end up being inconvenient? Our AFC Urgent Care Gastonia team shares some helpful information about the X-ray process below, so read on! What Are X-rays? X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate or pass through the human body and produce shadow-like images of bones and some organs. Read on →

Kidney infections are rare, but they can be severe. About one in every 30 cases of a UTI will lead to a kidney infection, and they are more common among women than men; although, they can affect anyone at any age. What exactly are kidney infections, though? Our AFC Urgent Care Gastonia team has some answers, so read on. What Exactly Is a Kidney Infection? A kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, is a type of urinary tract infection where one or both kidneys become infected. Read on →

It’s safe to say that you’re aware of how common earaches are among children, but that doesn’t mean that you’re exempt from ear pain! You don’t have to have an infection, or even anything wrong with your ears, to have ear pain. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia shares some helpful info on some common causes of ear pain. What’s Causing My Ear Pain? When we think of ear pain, we likely think of an ear infection as the cause of it, but that’s not always the case. Read on →

Did you know? Before your child can begin playing a sport this spring, he or she will need a sports physical first! Our AFC Urgent Care Gastonia team explains why below, so keep reading! Why Is a Sports Physical Necessary? Sports physicals, or Pre-Participation Exams (PPEs), are important because they can help you find out about and deal with health problems that might interfere with your child’s participation in a sport. Read on →

Strep throat is a very common virus. It is most common in the late fall and early spring and among children between the ages of 5 and 15, but adults can get it too. In fact, approximately 11,000 to 24,000 Americans fall ill to the infection every year. So, how can you avoid getting strep throat this year? Our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia has the answers you’re looking for, so read on. Read on →

Symptoms and COVID-19 are not a consistent match. In fact, medical experts across the globe have stated that symptoms are different in almost every COVID-19 case. Now, back pain has been making its way into the conversation. Is back pain something that you should be watching out for? Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia has some helpful answers. How Common Is Back Pain in COVID-19? According to a past study done by the World Health Organization, out of nearly 56,000 analyzed cases of COVID-19 in China, around 15% of patients experienced muscle aches and pains. Read on →

While UTIs (urinary tract infections) are most common among women, they affect thousands of men every year as well. UTIs are best treated by using antibiotics, but there are lots of ways to prevent these pesky infections without having to go back to the doctor. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia explains. Where to start: Drink plenty of water. This is the easiest and one of the best ways to prevent future UTIs. Read on →

While the FDA has stated that it’s not proven that COVID-19 is carried through food, there is still a high risk involved in going out to eat. We definitely get that cooking can get tiring, but there are ways to enjoy your favorite restaurant without dining in! Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia further explains. Why Is Going Out to Eat Considered Unsafe? COVID-19 is much more easily transmitted indoors. Read on →

Dry skin is the worst, isn’t it? Although the winter can often bring snow and new yearly aspirations, it also brings about dry skin for many of us. If you deal with dry skin every year, there are some effective ways to alleviate some of that pesky skin-cracking! Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia shares some helpful tips on skincare below. Does Cold Weather Have an Effect on My Skin? Read on →

Even though the CDC-recommended health precautions are helpful, the risk of actually getting COVID-19 still exists. That can be a scary thought for many of us, but even the CDC states that most cases can be worked through in the comfort of our own homes. If you’ve followed the proper health-safety precautions and you still have come down with a case of the coronavirus, don’t panic! Our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia is here to walk you through the next steps toward getting healthy. Read on →