A quick update from our clinics

Allergies are everywhere right now.

Over the past week, we’ve been seeing a steady flow of kids coming into our clinics in Aldie (Stone Ridge), Manassas, and Winchester with the same pattern of symptoms.

It’s not the typical “gets better in a few days” kind of illness.

It lingers.

And that’s what’s making it confusing for a lot of families.

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What we’re seeing in clinic

Most kids we’re seeing right now are coming in with:

• Congestion that won’t go away
• Frequent sneezing
• Runny nose that keeps coming back
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Red, irritated eyes (often mistaken for pink eye)
• A cough that’s worse at night

For many parents, it starts off feeling like a simple cold. But after a few days, it doesn’t improve the way they expected.

Instead of getting better, symptoms just stay — or fluctuate throughout the day.

That’s been one of the biggest patterns we’re seeing.

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Why symptoms are worse right now

This is very typical for this time of year in Northern Virginia.

Pollen levels are rising, the weather keeps shifting, and allergens are more active — especially outdoors.

Even children who don’t usually have strong allergies can start showing symptoms when exposure increases.

And because allergy symptoms can overlap with colds, it’s easy to misread what’s going on.

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When it’s more likely allergies

There’s no single symptom that confirms it, but there are a few patterns we’re seeing consistently right now.

Symptoms that linger beyond a few days, come and go, or seem worse in the morning or after being outside are often allergy-related.

Itching is another big clue — especially itchy eyes, nose, or throat — which isn’t as common with viral illnesses.

Most of the time, the discharge is also clear rather than thick, and kids may seem uncomfortable but otherwise okay.

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What to do next

Not every case needs immediate treatment, but getting clarity can help a lot.

If your child’s symptoms aren’t improving, are affecting sleep, or just don’t feel typical for them, it’s reasonable to have them evaluated.

Sometimes it’s simply confirming that it’s allergies and guiding you on what will help. Other times, it helps rule out something else.

Either way, it takes the guesswork out of it.

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Allergy care at Night Watch Urgent Care

At Night Watch Urgent Care, we’re seeing and treating seasonal allergies in children every day right now.

We help families understand what’s causing their child’s symptoms and recommend the right next steps — whether that’s supportive care, allergy management, or further evaluation.

We’re open every day, including evenings and weekends, so you don’t have to wait while symptoms linger.