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Does my kid have COVID-19 or just a cold? A pediatric nurse explains how to tell – and why it matters

<name>Ann Sheehan, Assistant Dean for Practice, Innovation, and Professional Education and Associate Professor of Nursing, Michigan State University</name> <foaf:homepage rdf:resource="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ann-sheehan-2763917"/>· 18 septembre 2026

Seasonal illnesses like the cold and COVID-19 have many overlapping symptoms. Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/DigitalVision via Getty Images Fall and winter mark the peak season for common respiratory infections such as COVID-19; respiratory syncytial virus , or RSV; influenza, better known as th

Résumé

Common winter illnesses

Fall and winter are peak seasons for respiratory infections like COVID-19, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), influenza (the flu), and the common cold.

These illnesses often start with similar symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, or sore throat, which can make it difficult to tell them apart.

This confusion is compounded at the start of cold and flu season, as it overlaps with summer seasonal allergies.

Each of these infections spreads easily, so keeping sick children home helps protect classmates and school staff, especially those with underlying health conditions that increase their risk of complications.

For example, RSV can lead to serious lung infections in infants and young children, while COVID-19 and the flu may cause severe illness in children with chronic health conditions like obesity or diabetes.

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