Runny noses, coughs, sore throats and stomach bugs! What illnesses are actually going around right now? Which ones should we be watching out for? And why does my kid have another cold?
Connecticut Children’s pediatrician Andrew Carlson, MD, shares what families should know this fall, including what’s circulating now, what we’re watching and when symptoms may warrant a call to your child’s pediatrician.
Last updated: September 29, 2026
When Should My Child Be Seen?
It can be hard to know when your child needs medical care.
Start by looking at your child, not just one symptom or a number on the thermometer. Are they breathing comfortably? Drinking and urinating normally? Alert and interacting with you? Or do they seem much sicker than they usually do with a cold?
For illnesses and injuries that need prompt attention but aren't life-threatening, Connecticut Children's Pediatric Urgent Care in Farmington offers care specifically for infants, children and teens. Our pediatric-trained teams can evaluate common childhood illnesses and injuries and connect your child with additional pediatric expertise when needed.
>>Read: Is it an emergency? Know where to go for pediatric care.
Colds and other respiratory viruses
Yes, children can get frequent, back-to-back colds. You are not imagining how often young kids get sick. There are many different viruses that can cause symptoms of the common cold. That's why it isn’t always possible to tell which virus your child has based on symptoms alone.
Most colds get better with time, rest and plenty of fluids. For younger children, saline nose drops or spray and gentle suctioning can help relieve a stuffy nose.
For respiratory viruses, get medical attention if your child is having difficulty breathing, isn't drinking enough to stay hydrated, has a fever that concerns you or seems to be getting worse instead of better
Strep throat
Strep throat is an illness caused by Group A strep bacteria and almost always treated with antibiotics. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, or stomachache. One clue? If your child has these symptoms, but no cough or congestion, it may be strep. Not all children have these symptoms all of the time, so the only way to know for sure is a strep test at the pediatrician or pediatric urgent care.
Sometimes, the rapid test (a throat swab in the doctor's office) is negative, and a second swab is usually sent for culture to a lab which can take a couple of days for results.
For strep, get medical attention if your child has a significant sore throat, especially with fever, swollen glands, a rash or difficulty swallowing.
>>Read: Ask a pediatric ENT: Does removing kids' tonsils help prevent strep throat?
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
HFMD, or Coxsackievirus, is a contagious virus that is very common in young children. HFMD can spread quickly in daycares or school settings. Its hallmark signs are painful blisters which can be big or small and appear anywhere from the mouth, hands and feet to the buttocks and trunk.
For HFMD, get medical attention if your child isn't drinking, is urinating less frequently than usual, has a persistent fever or has symptoms that are severe or aren't improving.
Vomiting and Diarrhea: When Is It a Stomach Bug?
When vomiting or diarrhea suddenly hits the household, a viral stomach bug—or viral gastroenteritis—is often responsible.
Symptoms can include:
- Vomiting
- Watery diarrhea
- Stomach pain or cramping
- Nausea
- Fever
- Decreased appetite
Offer small amounts of fluid frequently rather than encouraging your child to drink a large amount at once, especially after vomiting. Your pediatrician can recommend the best fluids based on your child's age.
And don't underestimate good old-fashioned handwashing. Some viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhea can spread very easily from person to person and through contaminated surfaces.
For vomiting and diarrhea, get medical attention if your child has signs of dehydration, blood in their vomit or stool, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or isn't able to keep fluids down.
>>Read: Ask a pediatric gastroenterologist: when is it more than a stomach bug?
COVID-19
COVID-19 is now one of several respiratory illnesses families may encounter during the year.
In kids, symptoms can look similar to many other viral illnesses and may include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Vomiting or diarrhea
Because COVID-19, flu and other respiratory viruses share symptoms, it may be difficult to know what's causing your child's illness based on symptoms alone.
For COVID-19, get medical attention if you're concerned about your child's symptoms, your child has an underlying medical condition that may put them at higher risk or symptoms are getting worse.
Flu and RSV: What Families Should Watch for as Respiratory Season Approaches
Fall also means flu and RSV season is approaching.
Influenza
The flu often comes on more suddenly than a typical cold. Children may develop fever, chills, headache, body aches, cough and significant fatigue. Here are 6 things to watch out for if your child has the flu.
RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, usually causes cold-like symptoms. But babies and young children can sometimes develop more serious breathing problems, including bronchiolitis.
Watch infants closely for changes in breathing or feeding. Signs that a baby may be working harder to breathe can include rapid breathing, nostril flaring, grunting or the skin pulling in around the ribs with each breath.
>>Read: Is it a breathing emergency? Signs of respiratory distress.
Talk with your child's pediatrician about seasonal respiratory illness prevention and what's appropriate for your child.
For RSV, get medical attention if your child is struggling to breathe, breathing much faster than normal, showing signs of dehydration, having difficulty feeding or becoming unusually sleepy or difficult to wake.