Telling the difference between cold symptoms and allergy symptoms can be tricky — even in the winter. Katherine Rivera-Spoljaric, MD, a Washington University pulmonologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital answers three questions about the differences between cold and allergy symptoms to help keep your little one healthy.

1. Are seasonal allergies a thing? Yes! Symptoms can occur all year long. Perennial allergies are allergies that occur year-round as opposed to seasonally and are often things found in your home. Spending more time indoors during the winter can aggravate these allergies.

2. What are common perennial allergens? Pet dander, feathers, mold, and pests like insects and dust mites can cause allergies to flare up.

3. Is it a cold or is it allergies? Cold symptoms can include fever, headache, exhaustion and body aches. Allergy symptoms can include sneezing, itchy eyes and eye watering or swelling. An antihistamine can help relieve allergy symptoms.

If your child’s symptoms linger or are related to a particular exposure, you should consult your pediatrician to discuss next steps of evaluation and treatment. Need help finding a pediatrician? We are here to help! Learn more about what factors to consider when choosing a pediatrician at https://www.stlouischildrens.org/cond....

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The St. Louis Children’s Hospital YouTube station is intended as a reference and information source only. If you suspect you have a health problem, you should seek immediate care with the appropriate health care professionals. The information on this website is not a substitute for professional care, and must not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. For help finding a doctor, St. Louis Children's Hospital Answer Line may be of assistance at 314.454.KIDS (5437). The opinions expressed in these videos are those of the individual writers, not necessarily St. Louis Children's Hospital or Washington University School of Medicine. BJC HealthCare and Washington University School of Medicine assume no liability for the information contained in this website or for its use.