How do you tell the difference between seasonal allergies and a cold for your child? My son has been getting a runny nose that lasts about a week at least three times this year already. His only symptoms are the runny nose and the occasional cough, but I assumed it was a cold, because he didn't have watery eyes or other allergy symptoms. Now I'm beginning to think it's allergies because of how often he is getting it. How can you tell the difference? Do you give your child any medicines if they have allergies?