Oh, those runny noses — how can you tell if it’s just a cold or allergies? Understanding whether a runny nose cold or allergies is causing your child’s symptoms can help parents respond with care. Runny noses occur in both! A runny nose with a fever, cough, or tiredness is probably a cold caused by a virus. There are many viruses in our world, and they thrive in colder temperatures, crowded places, and indoor classrooms. During winter, we see many viruses thrive in children and spread easily.

A runny nose that’s there every day with no other symptoms could be allergies — dying leaves from trees, indoor allergens like pets, mold, or dry heat. It could also be the tail end of a cold. It’s important to monitor the runny nose and your child’s response. A fever with a runny nose is most likely a viral cold and is the most contagious to other children. Keep your child away from other healthy children, give the body healthy food to fight the virus, and return to school only when there has been no fever for 24 hours.