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What Do I Need to Know About Breakthrough Infections?

American Family Care | Centennial, CO — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 08:00:05 EDT

COVID-19 “breakthrough” infections are much more common right now than they used to be. Why is this?

Our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team shares some helpful answers below, so read on!

What Are Breakthrough Infections?

According to the CDC, breakthrough infections happen when a person tests positive for COVID-19 at least two weeks after being fully vaccinated, including getting a booster dose when eligible.

So, why are they more common now than they were during the beginning of the pandemic? The answer is that the omicron variant, which is the dominant form of the virus, is substantially more transmissible due to its distinct mutations. These mutations allow the variant to circumvent the passive immunity established by early COVID-19 immunizations. The first signs of omicron are likewise unique, and we’ve mentioned them below.

Common Initial Omicron Symptoms

Cough
Fatigue or tiredness
Congestion and runny nose
Sore throat
Headache

Does the Vaccine and Booster Shot Provide Protection?

Yes, they do. While their efficacy in preventing initial protection against the omicron variant has waned, they provide adequate protection against serious illness and hospitalization. That’s the ultimate goal of vaccination.

The vaccine and booster offer the best protection against the virus, but there are still other things you can do to protect yourself from getting sick—even as virus rates continue to decrease. We’ve listed them below!

Ways to Prevent Omicron Infection

Wear a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask. These offer the highest level of protection, according to the CDC.
Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often. Make sure to wash for at least 20 seconds each time to properly rid of lingering bacterial and viral particles.
Be smart with where you go and the events you attend. Even though physical distancing is still recommended by the CDC, not many adhere to it anymore. If you are immunocompromised, live with someone who is at high risk of becoming seriously ill or you have young children at home, you may want to be more cautious and keep your distance in public.

Are you feeling less than your best? We can help you feel better! Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC center today.

Is Croup Common?

American Family Care | Centennial, CO — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 08:00:08 EST

Croup is a dreadful-sounding respiratory illness. If you’re a parent, chances are your child has experienced it before, as this respiratory infection is common among young children.

While the cough that accompanies croup is not for the faint of heart, it is usually easy to cure and isn’t typically a cause for serious concern. Read on for more information on croup from our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team.

What Is Croup?

Croup is a respiratory infection typically caused by the parainfluenza virus. It causes swelling of the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe), resulting in noisy, difficult breathing and a loud, “barking” cough.

Croup is most common in children between the ages of 3 months and 5 years. Croup becomes less prevalent as children get older, since the windpipe expands and swelling becomes less likely to obstruct breathing. We’ve listed the most common symptoms of croup below.

Common Croup Symptoms

A runny, stuffy nose
A cough that turns into a “seal’s bark”
Laryngitis
Fever
A whistling sound when breathing, which is often referred to as “stridor”

Is Croup a Treatable Illness?

Croup is a very treatable illness! Croup may be treated in the comfort of your own home in the majority of instances, and it usually goes away in three to five days.

When your kid develops croup symptoms, one of the most important things you can do is to keep him or her calm and comfortable, as crying and agitation can exacerbate airway obstruction. We’ve listed more helpful things you can do for your child below.

Ways to Treat Croup at Home

Hold your child in a comfortable upright position. Sitting upright may make breathing easier.
Make sure your child is staying hydrated. Water can work to flush out all types of infections, including croup.
Encourage rest. Sleep can help your child fight the infection.
Try a fever reducer. If your child has a fever, OTC medications like acetaminophen can help.
Skip the cold medications. OTC cold medicines aren’t recommended for children of any age, and they can be harmful in children less than 2 years of age. Plus, they won’t help croup.

Our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team is here for you and your family! Don’t hesitate to visit us today.

Will Strep Throat Clear Up on Its Own?

American Family Care | Centennial, CO — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 08:00:05 EST

No, not usually. Strep throat is typically harmless, but the bacteria can spread throughout the rest of the body and cause further problems if antibiotics aren’t prescribed to take care of it.

Our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team provides further information about strep throat below, so keep reading!

What Is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A bacteria Streptococcus that causes pain and inflammation in the throat. It is extremely contagious, spreading through the air and by contact

While the overall symptoms of strep throat can vary, the initial signs and symptoms are usually the same. A painful throat, difficulty swallowing and a fever are often the initial indications of this infection. Below are some additional strep throat symptoms to be aware of.

Common Strep Throat Symptoms

Sudden sore, red throat with white patches
Fever
Headache
Chills
Loss of appetite
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Trouble swallowing

How Serious Is It to Ignore Strep Throat?

It’s not safe to do so. Like we said earlier, because strep throat is a bacterial illness, it can spread throughout the body and lead to the consequences listed below if not treated promptly.

If you have strep throat symptoms, you should get a strep throat test as soon as possible to confirm your diagnosis.

Complications Caused By Untreated Strep Throat

Rheumatic fever—an autoimmune disease that may develop after a strep throat infection. It’s especially common among children ages 5–15, although older teens and adults may develop the disease.
Otitis media—when strep throat bacteria move into the inner ear and cause an ear infection. Bacteria in the inner ear can cause severe pain, dizziness and nausea.
Meningitis—occurs when the fluid surrounding the membranes of the brain and spinal cord become infected. In rare cases, meningitis can be fatal.
Pneumonia—when the bacteria that cause strep throat move into the lungs.
Toxic shock syndrome—in rare cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream. If the bacteria release toxins in multiple organs while in the bloodstream, it causes toxic shock syndrome, which can result in catastrophic organ failure.

Are you feeling less than your best? If so, we can help! Don’t hesitate to stop by our AFC center today.

What Should I Expect From a Flu-Induced Fever?

American Family Care | Centennial, CO — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 08:00:05 EST

Flu season is upon us. Many more people have gotten sick with the flu this year compared to last year, but vaccines are still available to lower your chances of having to deal with this unpleasant virus.

If you do happen to get the flu, though, it’s important to know what to expect. Our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team provides some helpful info below, so keep reading!

What Is the Flu?

The flu is caused by influenza viruses, which attack the respiratory system, including the nose, lungs and throat.

It’s not uncommon for the flu to be mistaken as a common cold, but there are several differentiating factors that separate the flu from a cold, such as the presence of a fever, body aches and extreme fatigue. Below, we’ve listed some additional symptoms to be on the lookout for this winter.

Other Common Flu Symptoms

Headaches
Chills
Sore throat
An extreme feeling of fatigue
A persistent and worsening cough
Stuffy or runny nose

How Bad Is a Flu Fever?

A flu-related fever is usually quite high. Most flu-related fevers are over 100ºF, but it shouldn’t be a huge cause for concern if it’s dealt with quickly and correctly. Generally, older adults, young children and those that have a compromised immune system should be more concerned if they get the flu.

If you get sick with the flu, we’ve listed some things you need to do below.

Ways to Reduce Flu Symptoms

Stay home and get plenty of rest. Staying home will keep you from spreading the virus to anyone else, and resting will allow your body sufficient time to recuperate.
Drink lots of fluids. Water is the best choice, but consuming other liquids will help, too! Things like broth-based soup and tea will help to flush out thick mucus into a thin liquid you can cough up and spit out.
Ask your doctor about antiviral medications. Tamiflu is perhaps the best-known form of this type of medicine that is used to combat the flu. It only works, though, if it is taken within at least two days of the start of flu symptoms.

Still need your flu vaccine? Stop by to get yours today at our AFC Urgent Care Centennial center!

How Can I Prevent In-Home Falls?

American Family Care | Centennial, CO — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 08:00:04 EST

Did you know? In-home falls happen all the time, and they happen mostly to adults aged 65 and over. In fact, according to the CDC, one in four older adults will fall at home, and only half of these people will alert someone.

Fall rates are too high, and there are many things you can do to prevent them from happening in your home. Our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team highlights what you need to know about in-home falls below, so keep reading!

What Should I Do If I Fall?

Falling at home is not ideal, to say the least. In-home falls can be painful and embarrassing, but if you do experience a fall, it’s important to know what to do next.

Plus, once you fall at home, it more than doubles your chances of falling again. We’ve listed the steps you should take after falling below.

What to Do After a Fall

Pause and take a few deep breaths. This will help you get over the shock of falling before you attempt to get up.
Decide if you are injured. Getting up too fast or moving incorrectly can make an injury worse.
If you think you can get up, roll onto your side, get on your knees, crawl to a sturdy chair or piece of furniture, lift yourself up and sit down.
After you’ve gotten up, or even if you haven’t, call a loved one and let them know what happened. More than half of those that fall don’t tell anyone.

What Can I Do to Prevent In-Home Falls?

One of the best things you can do to limit your risk of falling at home is to keep a tidy home. Clutter in the floor greatly increases the risk of falling.

We’ve listed some additional ways to prevent falls below.

Ways to Prevent Falls

Secure throw rugs. Throw rugs are one of the biggest fall culprits, as they have a tendency to bunch up. While the safest option is not to use them, rugs are common in most homes. Consider putting rubber gripping under your rugs to make them safer.
Improve lighting. A dimly lit home increases the chances of tripping and falling. Keeping the home too bright is also a problem because it may create a glare. A good rule of thumb is to keep the home well-lit but not overly lit.
Wear footwear that has some grip. Slippery socks and slippers can cause falls, so consider wearing shoes or socks with rubber grips on the bottom to reduce your fall risk.
Maintain an active lifestyle! Being sedentary will weaken your body and reduce flexibility, which can make you more susceptible to falls. Exercising consistently will greatly lower your fall risk and help you reach optimal health.

We’re here to help you be safe in your home! Don’t hesitate to reach out to our AFC team with any further questions or concerns.

When Can I Get the COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines?

American Family Care | Centennial, CO — Sat, 01 Jan 2022 08:00:06 EST

You can get both of them right now, and you can get them at the same time! In the past, the CDC recommended waiting at least two weeks in between each vaccine, but they have stated that it is safe to get both vaccines together.

Our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team provides other helpful info on both vaccines below, so keep reading!

Will the Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines Interfere With Each Other?

No, they won’t. A flu shot provides a specific “key” that unlocks a strengthened immune response to protect against influenza, while the COVID-19 vaccine provides a different key that unlocks a strengthened immune response to protect against COVID-19.

Although different keys are unlocked by both vaccines, they still won’t counteract each other. Besides getting vaccinated, we’ve listed some additional ways to stay safe and healthy this winter below.

How to Prevent Flu and COVID-19 This Winter

Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
Wear a mask in public spaces.
Stay at home and away from others when you are sick to prevent catching and transmitting illness and potential virus.

Do I Still Need to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine If I’ve Already Had COVID-19?

Yes, you still should. Research shows that fully vaccinated people are better protected than people that have had the virus in the past—and a booster enhances protection even more.

Not only is getting vaccinated important for your own personal health, but it lowers your risk of transmitting the virus to others.

Reasons to Get Vaccinated This Winter

Vaccine-preventable viruses are still here. The viruses and bacteria that cause illness and death still exist and can be passed on to those who are not protected by vaccines
Vaccines are safe. The U.S. has a robust approval process to ensure that all licensed vaccines are safe. Potential side effects associated with vaccines are uncommon and much less severe than the diseases they prevent.
Vaccines will not cause the diseases they are designed to prevent. Vaccines contain either killed or weakened viruses, making it impossible to get the disease from the vaccine. The most common COVID-19 vaccines don’t contain any of the virus, though, due to being an mRNA vaccine.
When you get sick with a virus, it endangers those around you.

Want to schedule your flu vaccine? Don’t hesitate to visit our website to make an appointment!

How Concerned Should I Be About Ringworm?

American Family Care | Centennial, CO — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 08:00:04 EST

Ringworm is quite common, and it isn’t a huge cause for concern.

Read on to learn more about this common fungal infection from our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team!

What Is Ringworm?

Ringworm is a fungal infection that often causes an itchy, circular skin rash with clearer skin in the middle. Also, ringworm is a misnomer, as it gets its name from its appearance rather than the presence of an actual worm.

Common forms of ringworm include athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis). Ringworm often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. We’ve listed its most common symptoms below.

Common Symptoms of Ringworm

A scaly ring-shaped area, typically on the buttocks, trunk, arms and legs
Itchiness
A clear or scaly area inside the ring, perhaps with a scattering of bumps whose color ranges from red, brown to gray
Slightly raised, expanding rings
A round, flat patch of itchy skin
Overlapping rings

How Serious Is Ringworm?

Ringworm isn’t serious, and it’s highly treatable. It’s most often treated with OTC anti-fungal topical medications.

Even though ringworm isn’t usually cause for much concern, it’s not pleasant. Below, we’ve listed some ways you can prevent it.

Ways to Prevent Ringworm

Keep clean. Wash your hands often. Keep shared areas clean—especially in schools, child care centers, gyms and locker rooms. If you participate in contact sports, shower right after practice or a match and keep your uniform and gear clean.
Stay cool and dry. Don’t wear thick clothing for long periods of time in warm, humid weather. Avoid excessive sweating.
Avoid infected animals. The infection often looks like a patch of skin where fur is missing. If you have pets or other animals, ask your veterinarian to check them for ringworm.
Don’t share personal items. Don’t let others use your clothing, towels, hairbrushes, sports gear or other personal items.

Whether you think you may have ringworm or want to learn more about this type of fungal infection, our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team is here for you! Don’t hesitate to visit or give us a call today.

Am I Dealing With a Sinus Headache?

American Family Care | Centennial, CO — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 08:00:05 EST

Sinus infections are much more common during the fall and winter seasons. If you’re experiencing a headache alongside lots of congestion, that’s not uncommon!

Our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team provides further information on sinus infections and sinus headaches below, so keep reading.

What Is a Sinus Infection?

The sinuses are air-filled spaces inside the forehead, cheekbones and behind the bridge of your nose. When they get inflamed, which is usually because of an allergic reaction or an infection, they swell, make more mucus and the channels that drain them can get blocked with fluid. When a blockage occurs, it can cause a sinus infection.

We’ve listed the most common symptoms of a sinus infection below.

Common Sinus Infection Symptoms

Thick, yellow or greenish mucus from the nose (runny nose) or down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage)
Blocked or stuffy nose that causes difficulty breathing through the nose
Pain, tenderness, swelling and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead that worsens when bending over

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. This pain usually gets stronger when you move your head suddenly or strain. At the same time, you might have other sinus symptoms, such as a runny nose, fever or the feeling of fullness in your ears.

Common Sinus Headache Symptoms

Fever
Stuffy nose
Thick, colored mucus discharge from the nose
Feeling of fullness in the ears
Swollen or puffy face

It can be difficult to know what your symptoms are indicating about your health. If you have questions or need general medical care, don’t hesitate to stop by our AFC Urgent Care Centennial center today!

How Serious Are Yeast Infections?

American Family Care | Centennial, CO — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 08:00:04 EST

Thankfully, most yeast infections aren’t a cause for serious concern. While it’s true that they’re quite uncomfortable to experience, they’re highly treatable.

Our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team provides some further helpful information about yeast infections below, so keep reading.

What Are Yeast Infections?

A yeast infection is a common fungal infection. It most commonly causes inflammation, irritation, itching and vaginal discharge. Women are typically most affected, but men can get yeast infections, too.

Vaginal yeast infections, also called vaginal candidiasis, are experienced by as many as three out of four women during their lifetime. Most women experience at least two infections.

Yeast Infection Symptoms

Itching, burning or irritation of the vagina or vulva, which is the tissue surrounding the vagina
Pain or soreness in the vagina
Vaginal burning with intercourse or urination
A thick, white, odorless discharge that resembles cottage cheese, or a watery discharge
Rash

What Causes a Yeast Infection?

The most common yeast infection cause is a type of fungus called candida albicans. The vagina naturally contains a balanced mix of yeast, including candida, and bacteria. But when the balance of yeast and bacteria is disrupted, it can cause an overgrowth of candida and a penetration of the fungus into deeper vaginal cell layers, causing yeast infection symptoms.

If you believe you have a yeast infection and aren’t sure what to do about it, don’t hesitate to visit our AFC center!

When to Visit a Doctor

This is the first time you’ve had yeast infection symptoms.
You’re not sure whether you have a yeast infection.
Your symptoms aren’t relieved after treating with over-the-counter anti-fungal vaginal creams or suppositories.
You develop other symptoms.

Whether you have further questions about yeast infections or need other non-emergency medical care, our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team is here for you! Don’t hesitate to stop by today.

Are UTIs and Yeast Infections the Same Thing?

American Family Care | Centennial, CO — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 08:00:04 EDT

In short, no, they aren’t. Although both UTIs and yeast infections show similar symptoms, they’re not the same type of infection.

Our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team explains why below, so keep reading!

How Are UTIs and Yeast Infections Different?

Yeast infections occur due to an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, while UTIs result from bacterial infections in the urinary tract. Yeast infections cause itching, pain and odorless vaginal discharge. UTIs, on the other hand, cause urinary symptoms, such as a frequent urge to urinate and painful urination.

Although both are quite common, yeast infections are the more common type of infection out of the two. We’ve listed the typical symptoms of yeast infections below.

Yeast Infection Symptoms

Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva
A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating
Redness and swelling of the vulva
Vaginal pain and soreness
Vaginal rash
Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance
Watery vaginal discharge

If I Got a Yeast Infection or UTI, How Would I Treat Them?

UTI treatment usually involves antibiotics, which clear up bacterial infections. Yeast infections, on the other hand, can be treated in several different ways. Most commonly, though, yeast infections are treated by over-the-counter anti-fungal medications and ointments.

While their treatments are different, both types of infections are highly treatable and typically go away after a few days. However, you should still consult a doctor before attempting to treat either infection at home. We’ve listed some effective ways you can prevent the more common infection of the two below.

Ways to Prevent Yeast Infections

Avoid using scented tampons and pads, vaginal deodorants and perfumed feminine hygiene products.
Avoid douching. Douching washes away the good, healthy bacteria in the vagina, and throws off the vagina’s natural balance.
Wear breathable underwear. Since yeast infections occur in moist areas, cotton is your best choice as it doesn’t hold onto heat or moisture and will keep the genital area dry.
Use antibiotics only when you have to. Antibiotics can cause a yeast imbalance in the body, so if you don’t have to, don’t take them.
Manage your diabetes. If you have it, be sure to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels and keep them under control.

Whether you’re dealing with a UTI, a yeast infection or some other non-emergency illness, our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team is here for you! Don’t hesitate to stop by today.

How Will I Know If I Need Stitches?

American Family Care | Centennial, CO — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 08:00:03 EDT

Injuries and cuts can happen at anytime to anyone, and they often happen when we least expect them.

Because of this, it’s important to know what to do after you’ve been injured, and it’s important to know the signs of potential infection. If you aren’t sure what to do if you experience a cut, read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Centennial helps walk you through the steps of basic first aid and how to know if you need stitches.

What’s the First Thing I Should Do If I Get Cut?

Perform basic first aid. This means doing things like applying pressure to the wound, cleaning it by rinsing it out with cool water and applying a dry bandage.

If your wound is deep and it’s not possible to stop the bleeding, though, it’s best to visit our AFC center for medical treatment, as stitches could be likely. We’ve listed some signs that your cut will need stitches to properly heal below.

Signs That You May Need Stitches

Check the size of your cut. If your cut or laceration is deeper or longer than half an inch, has ragged edges and/or is deep enough that fatty tissue, muscle or bone is exposed, you’ll need stitches.
A laceration that is bleeding profusely and doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure likely requires stitches.
Lacerations on certain parts of the body, like the joints, hand, near the eye or around the genital area can cause lots of bleeding and increase your likelihood of needing stitches.

Will My Wound Become Infected?

It depends on what caused the wound and how deep the wound is. The more shallow the cut wound, the less likely it is to get infected. The cleaner and more familiar the object that caused the wound, the less likely it is to get infected. Dirtier objects and deeper wounds are more likely to become infected.

If there are red streaks around the laceration, increased swelling, pus or you have a fever of 100.4 F or more, seek medical attention ASAP.

Circumstances That Increase Infection Risk

Having Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
Having a weakened immune system, which could be due to taking steroids, having chemotherapy, or contracting an autoimmune disease such as HIV
Being bitten by an animal or human
Being cut by a dirty object
Having a piece of whatever caused the cut remaining inside the wound
Having a cut that’s large and deep
Having a jagged-edged cut
Being an older adult (as skin doesn’t heal as well as people age)
Being overweight

If you need further help taking care of your wound, don’t wait to visit our AFC Urgent Care Centennial location today! No appointments are necessary.

What Kinds of Health Complications Do STDs Cause?

American Family Care | Centennial, CO — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 08:00:04 EDT

Although STDs aren’t the most comfortable topic to address for many, this doesn’t make them any less harmful. STDs can cause potentially devastating health complications if left untreated or not treated correctly.

Our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team further elaborates on STDs and the importance of getting STD tested below, so keep reading!

What Are STDs?

STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, are infections that typically spread from one person to another during vaginal, anal and oral sex. They’re really common (one in five Americans are currently affected), and lots of people who have them don’t have any symptoms.

Without treatment, STDs can lead to serious health problems, which we’ve listed below.

Health Problems Caused by STDs

Male and female sterility
Blindness
Damage to major organs
Cervical cancer
Cancer of the vagina, penis, anus or throat
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can damage a woman’s fallopian tubes, leading to pelvic pain and sterility.
Pain during urination or intercourse

What Makes STD-Testing So Important?

Like we said earlier, many types of STDs don’t show signs or symptoms. Because of this, getting regular STD tests can help you stay ahead of potential infections that you didn’t even know you had. Plus, if you do get one, getting treatment as early as possible will help relieve viral STD symptoms and will help quickly cure bacterial STDs.

As long as you’re sexually active, you should be tested for STDs at least once a year. Additionally, if you have more than one partner or don’t always practice safer sex by using a condom each time you have intercourse, you should be tested every three to six months.

Ways to Prevent STDs

Practice abstinence. The surest way to avoid getting STDs is to not have sex.
Reduce your number of sex partners. This can decrease your risk for STDs. It is still important that you and your partner get tested, and that you share your test results with one another.
Practice mutual monogamy. Mutual monogamy means that you agree to be sexually active with only one person, who has agreed to be sexually active only with you. Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner is one of the most reliable ways to avoid STDs.
Use condoms. Condoms lessen the risk of infection for all STDs, but you can still get certain STDs, like herpes or HPV, from contact with your partner’s skin even when using one.

At our AFC Urgent Care Centennial center, we offer private STD-testing and treatment. If you would like to learn more about STD-testing, or would like to be tested, don’t hesitate to stop by today.

What Should I Do If I Develop a Skin Boil?

American Family Care | Centennial, CO — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 08:00:03 EDT

Ew, boils. Yes, they’re pretty gross to look at and to have to deal with, but they’re actually more common than you might realize.

If the unfortunate has happened and a boil has popped up on your skin, our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team is here to help you know what to do, so read on!

What Actually Are Boils, And What Causes Them?

A boil (medically known as a furuncle) is a common, painful infection of a hair follicle and the surrounding skin. A group of boils can also form under the skin, which is called a carbuncle.

Most boils and carbuncles are caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (staph). These staph infections begin as a red bump, which then forms a pocket in the skin that is filled with pus, dead skin cells and infection-fighting white blood cells.

Common Boil Symptoms

A painful, red bump that starts out small and can enlarge to more than two inches (five centimeters)
Red, swollen skin around the bump
An increase in the size of the bump over a few days as it fills with pus
Development of a yellow-white tip that eventually ruptures and allows pus to drain out

What Should I Do If I Get a Boil?

The first thing that you should do is to avoid trying to squeeze or drain the boil yourself! This won’t help. In fact, trying to “pop” a boil can lead to a spread of the infection, or possibly cause a secondary infection of the boil.

We’ve listed some effective ways to treat a boil below.

Ways to Treat a Boil At Home

Apply warm compresses and soak the boil in warm water. This will decrease the pain and help draw the pus to the surface.
When the boil starts draining, wash it with an antibacterial soap until all the pus is gone and clean with rubbing alcohol. Apply a medicated ointment (topical antibiotic) and a bandage. Continue to wash the infected area two to three times a day and to use warm compresses until the wound heals.
Make sure to avoid popping the boil with a needle. This could make the infection worse.

Are you dealing with a skin boil? Learn how to get rid of it ASAP by reaching out to or visiting our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team today!

Should I See a Doctor If I've Been Bitten By a Dog?

American Family Care | Centennial, CO — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 08:00:04 EDT

As much as we don’t want to admit it, bites can come from even the best dogs.

Not only are dog bites startling, but they’re painful as well. So, do all dog bites warrant a trip to our urgent care center or your doctor’s office?

Our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team answers that question and provides further helpful information below, so keep reading!

How Necessary Is Medical Care for a Dog Bite?

Most dog bites can be adequately taken care of at home by applying pressure to the wound, rinsing the wound with cool water and bandaging it up. If the bite has torn the skin to the point where the bleeding is tough to stop, however, experts recommend seeking medical care within 24 hours after you’ve been bitten.

Furthermore, dog bites are classified by severity, and it’s necessary to seek medical care if your bite is at level four or above on the list below.

Types of Dog Bites

Level 1: The dog’s teeth don’t touch the skin.
Level 2: The dog’s teeth touch, but do not break, the skin.
Level 3: There are one to four shallow puncture wounds in the skin.
Level 4: One to four punctures from a single bite. At least one puncture wound is deep.
Level 5: Multiple bites, including some deep puncture wounds. This level most typically results from a dog attack.

What Will My Doctor Do?

Your doctor will want to know more about the dog that bit you and how it happened. If you are unsure that the dog that bit you has had its rabies vaccine, it’s a much greater cause for concern and infection is more likely. If you know the dog well and are up-to-date on its shots, though, your doctor will likely clean the wound again, apply antibiotic ointment and prescribe an antibiotic if there’s an infection concern.

Also, depending on the wound, your doctor may recommend stitches, but those aren’t usually necessary unless the bite is on the face or another particularly vulnerable area. If you aren’t sure if you should see a doctor for your bite wound, see if the wound lines up with any of the situations that we’ve listed below.

When to See a Doctor for a Dog Bite

If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes of pressure
If the bite has broken the skin. A tetanus shot may be necessary to reduce the possibility of tetanus infection.
If you were bitten by a wild or stray dog or you are unable to obtain the animal’s immunization records from the owner
If you have a weakened immune system, either due to an illness (such as diabetes) or medical treatment (such as chemotherapy)
If you notice any signs of infection, including redness, swelling, warmth or pus

Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team today for excellent care for all your general medical needs!

How Can I Know If I've Pulled a Muscle?

American Family Care | Centennial, CO — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 08:00:04 EDT

It’s safe to say that you’ve woken up one morning with pain in your muscles. This has happened to many of us, and it’s unfortunately more common as we age.

But how are you supposed to know that this type of pain is from muscle soreness or a pulled muscle?

Our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team provides some helpful answers to this question and more below, so keep reading!

How Does It Feel to Pull a Muscle?

One of the biggest tell-tale signs that you’ve pulled a muscle is experiencing a sharp pain right after an activity where you’ve made a sudden movement that feels “wrong,” but this isn’t the only sign.

Another common feeling of a pulled muscle is if you’re experiencing abnormal tenderness or the inability to effectively use a specific joint or muscle in the body. Other indicators include feeling a “knot” when massaging the muscle and a warm feeling on the skin where the potential strain is. We’ve listed some other common muscle strain symptoms below.

Common Muscle Strain Symptoms

Sudden onset of pain
Soreness
Limited range of movement
Bruising or discoloration
Swelling
Muscle spasms
Stiffness
Weakness

What Actually Happens When I Pull a Muscle?

A pulled muscle, or a muscle strain, is the stretching or tearing of muscle fibers. Strains can happen to any muscle on the body, but they’re most common in the lower back, neck, shoulder and hamstrings.

Most muscle strains can be treated at home, so if you experience any of the symptoms we’ve listed previously, try some of the below-mentioned home remedies to get some relief.

Home Remedies for a Pulled Muscle

Rest. Even if your muscle strain is fairly minor, you should avoid physical activity for at least 24 hours.
Ice. As soon as you feel your muscle or tendon strain, grab an ice pack. Apply ice for 15–20 minutes every two to three hours, and follow this routine for the first few days after your injury.
Compression. Compressing your strained muscle reduces the swelling.
Elevation. Elevating your injury above the level of your heart will help to reduce the pain and swelling. If your injury has happened to your back, keep it level and maintain proper posture as much as you can to encourage proper healing.

Still feel like you need further treatment for your muscle strain? Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Centennial team today!