The Health 4Cast: Respiratory Care in the Spring with UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Centers

Spring weather brings warmer days but for many, it also brings a wave of sneezing, coughing and congestion as pollen fills the air. While these symptoms are often tied to seasonal allergies, they can sometimes be confused with a cold or other respiratory concerns. And when over-the-counter medications don’t provide relief, it raises an important question: what’s the next step?

The Health 4Cast—our evergreen series featuring expert insights from UF Health Jacksonville—breaks it down with four practical tips to help you better understand and manage your health.

For this month’s focus on respiratory care, we spoke with Justin Nippert, MD, medical director for UF Health Emergency and Urgent Care Centers in Baymeadows and New Kings, about how to recognize your symptoms and ensure you’re getting the right care this spring.

How do the UF Health Emergency and Urgent Care Centers differentiate between viral infections, bacterial infections and allergies with respiratory symptoms?

Viral (flu, covid, common cold): Symptoms build slowly — runny nose, mild fever, cough and fatigue that usually improve in 7–10 days. No antibiotics are needed; we focus on symptom relief.

Bacterial (pneumonia, strep, ear infections or some sinus infections): Symptoms are usually more focused (sore throat, ear pain, cough, etc.) or get worse after a few days of general symptoms. We may use quick tests and prescribe antibiotics if confirmed.

Allergies: Itchy eyes/nose, clear runny nose, sneezing and congestion tied to triggers like pollen. No fever or body aches. We help rule out infection and offer targeted relief like antihistamines or nasal sprays.

When is it appropriate to use the UF Health Emergency and Urgent Care Centers for asthma symptoms vs home management or a primary care visit?

You should see your primary care physician for ongoing management, refills or check-ups when you're stable.

Home management works for very mild symptoms you can control with your rescue inhaler, rest and avoiding triggers.

Visit the UF Health Emergency and Urgent Care Centers if:

• You are having worsening symptoms despite inhaler use.
• You must stop walking or talking to catch your breath.
• You are experiencing other symptoms outside of your typical asthma symptoms (fever, chest pain, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, leg swelling, etc.).
• If you have any concerns about your condition.

Call 911 if you are experiencing extreme symptoms or need immediate assistance.

What treatment options are commonly offered at the UF Health Emergency and Urgent Care Centers for sinuses, bronchitis or upper respiratory infections?

In many cases, upper respiratory infections, sinusitis and bronchitis are caused by viruses. In these cases, if necessary, we can offer a variety of treatment options including breathing treatments, anti-inflammatories and steroids. If these illnesses are determined to be caused by a bacterial infection, then antibiotics may be necessary.

How are rapid testing and imaging used to diagnose respiratory infections and what do they mean?

Our rapid viral testing can help differentiate between different upper respiratory infections. Specifically, we can test for Covid, Flu, RSV and Strep. Being able to differentiate between these conditions helps our team craft treatment plans and helps give the patient an idea of what to expect. Advanced imaging can help our team differentiate between a respiratory infection caused by a viral and those caused by bacteria (pneumonia).