If your child starts sniffling, sneezing, or feeling under the weather, it can be hard to know what’s causing it. Is it a cold, or could it be seasonal allergies?
Because many symptoms overlap, the difference is not always obvious. Understanding what to look for can help you choose the right care for your child, know when to keep them home to prevent spreading illness, and decide when it may be time to talk with their doctor.
How allergy and cold symptoms compare
Allergies and colds can start with many of the same symptoms, which is why they can be hard to tell apart – especially for parents trying to decide what their child needs.
You might notice your child has:
- A runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Fatigue or irritability
- Headache
These symptoms commonly appear during seasonal changes, but they also tend to show up when kids start new environments like school or daycare. Paying attention to your child’s symptoms, including when they start and how long they last, can offer helpful clues on the cause.
| What to look for | More likely seasonal allergies* | More likely a cold |
| Symptoms | Itchy, water eyes, nose, or throat | Painful sore throat (rather than itchy) |
| Fever | Rare | Common, especially early on |
| Body aches or chills | Uncommon | Often present |
| Symptom timing | Sudden or gradual | Sudden onset |
| Length of symptoms | Can last for weeks | Usually improves within several days to a week |
| Energy level | Mild fatigue | More intense fatigue |
| Exposure clues | Symptoms appear after exposure to pollen, pet dander, or dust | Symptoms appear after recent contact with someone who is sick |
*Seasonal allergies for children often first appear between ages 2 and 5
Every child is different, and symptoms can show up in unique ways. If your child’s symptoms are mild and they’re breathing comfortably, simple care at home—rest, plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter treatments—may be all they need. Talk to your child’s doctor about it. And if symptoms change or get worse, it’s always a good idea to connect with their doctor, too.
When and where to get care
Start with your child’s primary care doctor. They understand your child’s health history and can help diagnose if they have seasonal allergies or upper respiratory symptoms due to a cold or illness. Contact your child’s doctor if:
- Symptoms worsen
- Your child has a fever over 101 degrees that lasts more than 7-10 days
- Your child is high-risk (e.g. being very young, immunocompromised, or having a chronic condition)
Your child’s doctor, a nearby urgent care clinic, and pharmacies can often provide flu, strep, or COVID tests. Also consider scheduling a virtual visit to get your child care without leaving home.
If your child’s symptoms seem to be more allergy-related and can’t be managed at home with over-the-counter treatment, ask your doctor about seeing an allergy specialist. These doctors are trained to be able to diagnose and treat allergies, respiratory problems like asthma and wheezing, and immune system concerns.
When to seek urgent or emergency care
Some symptoms need immediate attention. Seek emergency care right away if your child has:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- A high or persistent fever
- Severe weakness, dehydration, or inability to keep fluids down
Keeping your child healthy
Allergies and colds often look alike, but paying attention to key symptoms can help you make the right decisions for your child’s care. With careful observation and guidance from your child’s doctor or allergy specialist, you can help manage symptoms confidently and keep your child healthy.
Additional resources
Where to get care– Quartz makes getting care easier with resources and tools that help you connect with local care in your child’s Quartz network.
Virtual visits – Connect when it’s convenient for you and your child – 24/7, any day, any time access.
Seasonal allergies or cold? Symptoms and care for adults – Learn the differences between seasonal allergy and cold symptoms in adults and when and where to get the care you need.
When to seek care for kids cold and flu like symptoms– Learn when it makes the most sense to opt for at-home care, call your doctor, or go in for care.
