What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Common Cold

Audience: adult

A telemedicine visit for the common cold allows you to talk with a healthcare provider from home or another convenient place. After the visit, you will usually receive advice on how to manage your symptoms, such as resting, drinking fluids, and using over-the-counter medicines. The common cold often improves on its own within a week to 10 days. Your provider may suggest ways to relieve symptoms like a sore throat, cough, or congestion. If your symptoms worsen or do not improve, you may need a follow-up visit or in-person care. It is important to watch for serious signs like difficulty breathing or high fever. Telemedicine can help you get timely advice but cannot replace hands-on exams or tests when needed. Always follow your provider's instructions and seek urgent care if you experience red flags.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever (above 39°C or 102°F) lasting more than 3 days — contact your healthcare provider.
• Chest pain or pressure — seek emergency care immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of common cold symptoms and general advice.
• Recommendations for symptom relief and self-care.
• Determining if further in-person evaluation is needed.
• Providing prescriptions for over-the-counter or some medications.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams or listening to your lungs.
• Ordering or conducting laboratory tests or imaging.
• Managing severe or life-threatening symptoms.
• Diagnosing conditions that require hands-on evaluation.

What to Expect Immediately After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will usually summarize the advice given during the call. This may include recommendations for rest, hydration, and symptom relief. You might receive instructions on using over-the-counter medicines such as pain relievers or decongestants. Your provider may also send a follow-up message or prescription electronically if needed. Keep a record of any advice or prescriptions provided for your reference.

Managing Common Cold Symptoms at Home

Most common colds improve without special treatment. To help yourself feel better:

These steps often help you recover within about 7 to 10 days.

When to Seek Further Medical Care

If your symptoms get worse or do not improve after about 10 days, contact your healthcare provider again. Also, seek prompt care if you experience any red flags such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, high fever, or severe headache. Sometimes, what seems like a common cold can develop into a more serious illness requiring in-person evaluation or testing.

Follow-Up and Monitoring After Your Visit

Your provider may recommend monitoring your symptoms at home and scheduling a follow-up telemedicine or in-person visit if needed. Keep track of your temperature and any new or worsening symptoms. Follow all instructions carefully, including taking any prescribed medicines as directed. If you have questions or concerns, contact your healthcare provider.

How Telemedicine Supports Your Care for Common Cold

Telemedicine allows you to access healthcare advice quickly without traveling. It is well suited for assessing common cold symptoms, providing guidance, and deciding if further care is needed. However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams, lab tests, or imaging. If these are necessary, your provider will advise you to seek in-person care.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet connection for your visit.
• Have a list of your symptoms, including when they started and how severe they are.
• Prepare a list of any medicines or supplements you are taking.
• Be ready to describe your medical history and any allergies.
• Have a thermometer and any other home health tools available if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the care instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Take recommended medicines as directed.
• Rest and stay hydrated to support recovery.
• Monitor your symptoms daily and note any changes.
• Contact your provider if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if advised.

FAQs

How long does a common cold usually last?

A common cold typically lasts about 7 to 10 days. Symptoms often improve gradually, but some mild cough or congestion may linger a little longer.

Can I get antibiotics through telemedicine for a common cold?

Antibiotics do not work against viruses that cause the common cold. Your provider will usually not prescribe antibiotics unless there is a clear sign of a bacterial infection.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your symptoms worsen or you develop red flags like difficulty breathing or high fever, contact your healthcare provider promptly or seek emergency care as needed.

Is telemedicine safe for managing my cold symptoms?

Yes, telemedicine is a safe and effective way to get advice for common cold symptoms. It allows you to avoid exposure to others and get timely guidance. However, it cannot replace in-person exams when those are necessary.

Sources

1. Common Cold - MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Common Cold - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
3. Common Cold - Mayo Clinic — Mayo Clinic.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ).

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine guidance does not replace in-person evaluation when needed. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.