Navigating Winter Illnesses in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida

As the winter months approach, respiratory illnesses, such as the flu, COVID-19 and pneumonia often see a significant rise, impacting thousands of people across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida each year.

According to the Florida Department of Health, flu positivity rates in Duval County and surrounding areas saw a rise in flu cases during the 2024-2025 flu season, with positivity rates peaking at 11% in emergency departments.

Understanding when to seek care and how to protect yourself and your family during the winter months is essential.

The Common Cold

The common cold is a frequent visitor during the winter season, affecting the nose and throat. While it’s usually harmless, it can still leave you feeling drained. Adults in Northeast Florida typically experience two to three colds a year, while young children may face even more frequent bouts.

Symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and mild fatigue, typically resolve within a week. However, adults should seek medical attention if they have a fever over 101.3 degrees, symptoms lasting more than 10 days, or experience shortness of breath or a worsening cough. For children, particularly newborns up to 12 weeks old, even a slight fever of 100.4 degrees warrants immediate medical care.

How to Prevent It:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Cover your cough or sneeze.
• Take care of yourself by eating well and getting plenty of rest.
• Wash your hands often with warm soap and water.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is another common concern during the winter months, particularly for those in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida who are exposed to environmental irritants, such as pollen, smoke or chemicals.

This condition inflames the bronchial tubes, leading to a persistent cough, chest discomfort and fatigue. While acute bronchitis often improves within a week, a lingering cough can last for weeks.

If your symptoms include a fever over 100.4° F, blood in your mucus, or severe shortness of breath, it’s crucial to seek medical care. Smokers and individuals with underlying health conditions in Northeast Florida are at a higher risk of complications, making early intervention key.

How to Prevent It:

• Avoid cigarette smoke and other lung irritants.
• Avoid close contact with people who have a viral infection.
• Get an annual flu shot.
• Wash hands often with warm soap and water.

Flu (Influenza) and COVID-19

The flu is a respiratory infection that can lead to severe outcomes, particularly for young children under 2 years old, adults over 65, and individuals who are pregnant, obese or have weakened immune systems.

Flu symptoms can vary in severity but often come on suddenly. Common signs include a high fever, persistent cough and a sore throat. Muscle aches and joint pain are also frequent, leaving individuals feeling physically drained.

In some cases, individuals may experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, though these are more common in children. If symptoms worsen or persist, it’s important to seek medical attention, especially for those at higher risk of complications, such as young children, older adults, or individuals with underlying health conditions. Getting a flu shot is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others, especially those most vulnerable.

While the flu is a familiar seasonal illness, COVID-19 often leads to more severe complications, particularly in older adults and those with underlying conditions. COVID-19 symptoms, such as loss of taste or smell and persistent shortness of breath, can overlap with the flu, making testing essential for an accurate diagnosis.

Seek medical attention for COVID-19 if you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, bluish lips or face, or if symptoms improve but then return with a worse fever or cough.

Updated COVID-19 vaccine guidelines now recommend vaccination for seniors 65 and older, and those with underlying health conditions. Staying vigilant with frequent handwashing and disinfecting high-touch surfaces remains key to protecting yourself and your community from COVID-19 and the flu.

At UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Centers, we understand the unique health challenges faced by our Jacksonville and Northeast Florida community. With on-site labs, imaging and ER-trained doctors, we’re open 24/7 to quickly diagnose and treat everything from a stubborn cold to more serious respiratory conditions. Find a location near you.