How to prepare for a video visit about Common Cold

Audience: pediatric

The common cold is a mild respiratory illness that many children experience. It usually causes symptoms like a runny nose, cough, and mild fever. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand your child's symptoms and get advice on how to care for them at home. To make the most of the video visit, it helps to prepare by noting your child's symptoms, any medicines they are taking, and any concerns you have. During the visit, the provider can assess your child's condition and suggest ways to relieve symptoms. However, some situations require in-person care, especially if your child has difficulty breathing, high fever, or unusual behavior. This guide explains how to prepare for a video visit about the common cold, what telemedicine can and cannot do, and when to seek urgent care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing, such as rapid or noisy breaths — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever (usually above 39°C/102°F) that does not improve with fever reducers — contact healthcare provider.
• Child shows unusual sleepiness, confusion, or cannot be awakened easily — get urgent medical help.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessing common cold symptoms and mild illnesses
• Providing advice on home care and symptom relief
• Determining if in-person care is needed
• Answering questions about common cold management

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams that require touch or specialized equipment
• Diagnosing serious or complex conditions needing lab tests or imaging
• Treating emergencies or severe symptoms
• Prescribing certain medications without an in-person evaluation

What is the common cold?

The common cold is caused by viruses that affect the nose and throat. It often leads to symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat, and sometimes a mild fever. Most children recover within 7 to 10 days without needing special treatment.

Preparing for your child's video visit

Before the video visit, write down your child's symptoms, when they started, and any changes you've noticed. Have a list of any medicines or home remedies you have already tried. Make sure your device is charged and connected to the internet. Find a quiet place with good lighting for the visit. Be ready to describe your child's behavior, appetite, and breathing.

What telemedicine can do for common cold

During a video visit, the healthcare provider can:

Telemedicine helps avoid unnecessary travel and exposure to other illnesses.

When to seek in-person care urgently

If your child has any of these signs, seek immediate medical care:

These signs may indicate a more serious illness.

After the video visit: what to do

Follow the advice given by the healthcare provider. Keep your child comfortable and hydrated. Use over-the-counter medicines as recommended. Monitor symptoms closely. If your child’s condition worsens or new concerning signs appear, contact a healthcare provider or emergency services promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your child's symptoms and when they started.
• List any medicines or remedies your child has taken.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss.
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to the internet.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the video visit.
• Have a thermometer and any recent vital signs available if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice for symptom relief.
• Keep your child hydrated and rested.
• Use over-the-counter medicines as directed.
• Monitor your child's symptoms for improvement or worsening.
• Seek in-person care if red flags or new symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can a video visit diagnose my child's cold?

A video visit can help a healthcare provider understand your child's symptoms and suggest care. However, it may not replace a full physical exam needed to diagnose other illnesses.

What should I do if my child's symptoms get worse after the video visit?

If symptoms worsen or new concerning signs appear, contact your healthcare provider again or seek emergency care if urgent signs develop.

Is it safe to treat my child's cold at home?

Most common colds are mild and can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and symptom relief. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice and watch for warning signs.

Can my child spread the cold to others?

Yes, colds are contagious. Encourage good handwashing, cover coughs and sneezes, and keep your child away from others when possible to reduce spread.

Sources

1. Common Cold — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Common Cold - Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Common Cold — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telehealth: What You Need to Know — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned, seek immediate medical attention.