Cold vs. allergy symptoms in kids: What’s the difference?

When allergy season kicks into high gear kids may have a multitude of coldlike symptoms. Both seasonal allergies and a cold can cause a runny nose and sneezing. So how can you tell whats causing your childs symptoms?
Cold symptoms
Common colds are caused by a virus and typically last 57 days.
Fever
If youre wondering can allergies cause a fever the answer is no. A fever with a cold however can be very common.
Sore throat
A cold with a sore throat is more common than a sore throat caused by allergies.

Body aches
Viral colds can typically have you feeling achy and fatigued which can be treated with plenty of rest hydration and pain relievers.
Allergy symptoms
Seasonal allergies are immune system responses to allergens such as seasonal tree or grass pollens.
If your child has itching of the eyes nose or skin its most likely allergies. A cold does not cause itching.
Allergies usually cause symptoms that last longer than two weeks.
Allergy symptoms come in a predictable pattern. For example if symptoms show up every spring or every summer this typically indicates your child has allergies.
If you suspect your child has allergies knowing what some of the common allergens are can help you identify what might be causing your childs symptoms.
Indoor allergens include
Foods
Dust and mold
Animals such as cats dogs rabbits birds gerbils guinea pigs and others
Clothing and toys particularly ones made or trimmed with animal hair
Latex or bacterial enzymes in items such as rubber gloves and balloons elastics in clothes and cleaning products
Outdoor allergens include
Pollen particularly from March until midJune