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

Keeping children home from school if they have COVID-19 protects family and school community members at high risk of serious illness.

By: Ann Sheehan, Michigan State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: September 18, 2026

Words: 1,184

Last Updated: 4 hours, 27 minutes ago

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By Ann Sheehan, Michigan State University

Fall and winter mark the peak season for common respiratory infections such as COVID-19; respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV; influenza, better known as the flu; and the common cold. These illnesses often begin with symptoms that look very similar, so telling them apart can be tricky – especially when the beginning of cold and flu season in the fall can be the tail end of summer seasonal …

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