Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Suspected Chlamydia in Children and Teens

Audience: pediatric

Chlamydia is a common bacterial infection that can affect children and teens, especially those who are sexually active. It often causes no symptoms, but when symptoms do appear, they may include pain or burning when urinating, unusual discharge, or abdominal pain. Early testing and treatment are important to prevent complications. Telemedicine can help by providing education, guidance, and sometimes prescriptions for treatment. However, certain warning signs, called red flags, mean a child or teen should see a healthcare provider in person right away. These include severe pain, fever, heavy bleeding, or signs of spreading infection. This guide helps families understand when telemedicine is appropriate and when urgent in-person care is needed. It also explains how to prepare for a telemedicine visit and what to expect afterward. Remember, this information is for education only and not a diagnosis. Always seek professional medical advice if you have concerns.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe lower abdominal or pelvic pain requiring immediate evaluation
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) indicating possible spreading infection
• Heavy vaginal bleeding or unusual bleeding between periods in a young person

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and education
• Guidance on testing options and locations
• Prescribing antibiotics for uncomplicated chlamydia cases
• Providing advice on prevention and safe practices

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe pain or high fever requiring physical examination
• Complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease
• Heavy bleeding or signs of severe infection
• Emergency situations needing immediate in-person care

What is Chlamydia and How Does It Affect Young People?

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that spreads mainly through sexual contact. It can infect the genital areas, throat, or rectum. Many children and teens with chlamydia do not have symptoms, so they might not know they have it. When symptoms do occur, they might include burning when peeing, unusual discharge, or lower belly pain. If untreated, chlamydia can cause serious health problems like pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility later in life.

When Can Telemedicine Help?

Telemedicine can be useful for talking about symptoms, getting advice, and sometimes for arranging testing or treatment. A healthcare provider can assess symptoms and risk factors through a video or phone call. They can guide you on how to get tested and may prescribe antibiotics if appropriate. Telemedicine is a good first step if symptoms are mild and there are no urgent warning signs.

Red Flags: When to Go In Person Right Away

Certain symptoms mean you should seek in-person care immediately:

These signs may indicate complications that need urgent medical attention.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

To make the most of your telemedicine appointment:

Being prepared helps the healthcare provider give the best advice.

What Happens After the Telemedicine Visit?

After your appointment, you may be advised to:

Following these steps helps protect your health and others’.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a private, quiet place for the tele-visit
• Prepare a list of symptoms and questions
• Have your medical history and current medications ready
• Be ready to discuss recent sexual activity honestly
• Ensure you have a way to receive prescriptions or test instructions

After your tele-visit

• Follow instructions for chlamydia testing if advised
• Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed
• Avoid sexual activity until treatment completion and clearance
• Monitor symptoms and seek in-person care if they worsen
• Inform recent sexual partners about possible exposure

FAQs

Can my child get tested for chlamydia through telemedicine?

Telemedicine providers can guide you on where and how to get tested, but the test itself usually requires a visit to a clinic or lab to provide a urine sample or swab.

Is chlamydia serious if my child has no symptoms?

Even without symptoms, chlamydia can cause health problems if untreated. It’s important to get tested if your child is at risk, so treatment can prevent complications.

Can telemedicine provide treatment for chlamydia?

Yes, if the case is straightforward, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics via telemedicine. However, severe or complicated cases need in-person care.

What should I do if my child has symptoms but no access to telemedicine?

Seek in-person care at a clinic or healthcare provider. Early evaluation and treatment are important to prevent complications.

How can I help prevent chlamydia in my child?

Encourage open communication about sexual health, promote safe sex practices like using condoms, and ensure regular health check-ups with a trusted provider.

Sources

1. Chlamydia - MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2021 — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Chlamydia Infection in Adolescents — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Chlamydia - Mayo Clinic — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you or your child experience any concerning symptoms or red flags, seek immediate medical attention.