You might not have heard of mononucleosis before, but it’s highly likely that you’re well aware of its more common abbreviation, “mono.” Mono is very common, and it’s especially common among teenagers and young adults. Children and older adults can get it, too, though. Read on to learn more about this common virus from our AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne team! What Is Mono? Mononucleosis is a contagious illness that can be caused by a variety of viruses, but the most common cause is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Read on →

During the recent surge of the omicron variant, breakthrough COVID-19 infections have become much more common. The reason for this is that, due to its unique mutations, the omicron variant is far more transmissible than prior types of the COVID-19 virus. As a result, it becomes more capable of evading the passive immunity conferred by immunizations. Our AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne team provides more info about COVID-19 and the omicron variant below, so keep reading! Read on →

It sure seems like it! While there isn’t tons of conclusive evidence that explain why viruses tend to affect more people during the winter months, what we do know is that this idea is certainly more accurate than not. Our AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne team provides further explanation on viruses and how they are affected by winter temperature below, so keep reading! Why Do Viruses Get Worse in the Winter? Read on →

Croup is a common respiratory infection among children. It most often occurs in children between the ages of 3 months and 5 years old, and it will likely clear up within a week. Although serious croup complications are rare, croup is not something to take lightly. Our AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne team provides more info on this respiratory infection below, so keep reading! What Is Croup? Croup is a condition that irritates and causes swelling of the upper airways among young children. Read on →

Did you know? There are between 11,000 and 13,000 strep throat cases in the U.S. every year. Thankfully, though, strep throat is highly treatable and typically isn’t a huge cause for concern. Even though it’s treatable, if strep throat is left untreated, it can cause potentially serious complications. Our AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne team provides some further information on strep throat and what can happen if it is left untreated below, so keep reading! Read on →

The flu is certainly not fun to experience. You will almost certainly feel terrible, tired and achey. Plus, you will most likely have a fever if you do get sick with the flu. Our AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne team goes on to highlight the severity of flu symptoms below, so keep reading! What Is the Flu? The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which attacks your respiratory system, including the lungs, nose and throat. Read on →

When kids fall at home, it’s typically no big deal. Their bones and muscles are bound to withstand much more punishment. When older adults fall, however, the results can be much more serious. In fact, since 2007, fall death rates have increased every year, according to the CDC. There are many ways to lower your risk of falling at home, and our AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne team shares some of them below. Read on →

Does your head ever feel tight? Do you have a headache that feels like the pain gets worse whenever you bend over or down? If so, you’re probably dealing with a sinus headache. Sinus headaches are a symptom of sinus infections, and our AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne team further elaborates on them below. Keep reading! What Are Sinuses? Before you can understand what sinus headaches are and what causes them, it’s important to know what sinuses are, first. Read on →

During peak virus season, getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and for the flu are two of the best things you can do to stay safe and healthy! According to the CDC, it’s OK to get both vaccines at the same time, and our AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne team provides further information below. Keep reading! Is It Safe to Get the COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine at the Same Time? Yes, it is! Read on →

If you didn’t already know, ringworm isn’t actually what you might think it is. Despite its name, ringworm doesn’t have anything to do with worms! Ringworm is a skin infection that is caused by a fungus, not a worm. This type of infection can happen among both humans and animals, and our AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne team provides some further information about it below. What Is Ringworm? Like we said earlier, ringworm isn’t a worm, thankfully. Read on →