Here’s That Seasonal Question Again: Is It Allergies or a Cold?
As fall arrives, kids often start experiencing itchy eyes, runny noses, and coughs, while parents are left wondering whether it’s allergies or a cold. While not everyone reacts to the same allergens in the same way, the fall season can be just as tough on allergy sufferers as spring.
At the same time, colds also begin to spread as the weather cools and children head back to school, sharing more than just pencils and crayons. With so many overlapping symptoms between seasonal allergies and the common cold, it’s no wonder that parents often struggle to tell the difference.
Fall Allergies: What Symptoms to Look For
As the seasons change, so do the allergens in the environment. Fall allergies are commonly triggered by ragweed pollen, mold spores from damp leaves, and indoor allergens such as dust mites, which tend to accumulate as homes are sealed for colder weather.
Kids who are sensitive to these allergens may show symptoms such as:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Sneezing and a runny nose
- Coughing or throat irritation
- Nasal congestion or stuffiness
- Dark circles under the eyes (sometimes called “allergic shiners”)
- Wheezing or shortness of breath, especially with asthma
- Fatigue and trouble concentrating due to poor sleep from congestion
Is it a Cold or Viral Infection?
Viruses cause colds and tend to spread more easily in the fall and winter months when children are indoors more often and in close contact with others. Recognizing typical cold symptoms can help parents determine if it’s just a mild viral illness or something more serious.
Cold symptoms may include:
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Loss of appetite
- Dry or mild cough
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Fatigue or feeling “run down”
- Mild headache or body aches
- Low-grade fever (typically under 101°F)
When You Aren’t Sure: How HHLI’s School-Based Health Centers Can Help
As a parent, you know your child best, but it can be hard to tell whether symptoms point to allergies or a cold. If your child has a high or persistent fever, a severe sore throat, or trouble breathing, it’s important to seek medical care.
For many families, HHLI’s School-Based Health Centers in Freeport, Roosevelt, Westbury, and Baldwin high schools are a convenient and trusted option. Whether your child needs a check-up, allergy treatment, or help managing ongoing symptoms, our centers work alongside school nurses to provide comprehensive medical and behavioral health services to students during the school day.
7 Effective Ways to Help Prevent Allergies or a Cold
Whether you’re trying to prevent allergies or a cold, these simple tips can help keep your family healthier at home:
1. Use Air Filters
HEPA filters remove up to 99% of dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores, keeping indoor air cleaner.
2. Clean High-Touch Surfaces
Disinfect doorknobs, light switches, remotes, and phones regularly to reduce germ spread.
3. Keep Indoor Humidity Balanced
Use a humidifier if the air is too dry. The ideal humidity range is around 30–50%.
4. Proper Ventilation
Open windows when possible or use exhaust fans to circulate fresh air.
5. Eat Immune-Boosting Foods
You can help build a strong immune system with citrus fruits, leafy greens, garlic, and probiotic-rich yogurt in your diet.
6. Stay Hydrated
Drinking water keeps your airways moist and better able to resist infections.
7. Encourage Handwashing
Lastly, the simplest and most effective prevention tip: wash your hands before meals, after being outside, or after touching shared surfaces.
When It’s Hard to Tell, We’re Here to Help
Managing your child’s healthcare needs can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Harmony Healthcare Long Island, we’re here to support you every step of the way with compassionate care and expert guidance for your family’s healthcare needs.
