What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Common Cold in Children

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for a child's common cold, parents can expect guidance on managing symptoms at home. The healthcare provider will often recommend rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medicines to ease symptoms like cough and congestion. Because the common cold is caused by viruses, antibiotics are usually not needed. The provider may advise watching for warning signs that need in-person care. Follow-up may be suggested if symptoms worsen or do not improve in about 7 to 10 days. Telemedicine allows families to get advice quickly without leaving home, but some situations require a physical exam or tests. Understanding what to do after the visit helps keep children comfortable and safe while recovering.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing or is breathing very fast — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever lasting more than 3 days or very high fever (above 39°C/102°F) — contact healthcare provider promptly.
• Child shows signs of dehydration such as very dry mouth, no tears when crying, or very little urine — seek medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of common cold symptoms in children.
• Providing advice on home care and symptom relief.
• Determining if in-person care is needed.
• Answering questions about the illness and care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams like listening to lungs.
• Ordering or conducting lab tests or imaging.
• Diagnosing serious complications or other illnesses.
• Administering treatments or medications directly.

What to Expect Right After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will summarize the child's symptoms and suggest ways to relieve them. This usually includes resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and using safe medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever or pain. They may also suggest using a humidifier or saline nasal drops to help with congestion. You will get instructions on how to care for your child at home and when to seek more help.

Common Home Care Tips for Children with a Cold

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When to Contact a Healthcare Provider Again

Watch for these signs that mean your child needs prompt medical attention:

If you notice any of these, seek in-person care immediately.

How Telemedicine Helps and Its Limits

Telemedicine lets you talk to a healthcare provider from home, which is convenient and reduces exposure to others. Providers can assess symptoms, offer advice, and decide if your child needs to be seen in person. However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams, listen to the lungs directly, or do lab tests. If your child's symptoms are severe or unclear, an in-person visit will be necessary.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

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Aftercare Steps Following the Visit

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How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your child's symptoms and when they began.
• Have your child's current medicines and doses ready.
• Measure and note your child's temperature.
• Find a quiet, well-lit area for the visit.
• Have a thermometer and any medical devices nearby.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully.
• Give your child plenty of fluids and rest.
• Use recommended over-the-counter medicines as directed.
• Monitor your child's symptoms daily.
• Contact healthcare if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Schedule follow-up if advised by the provider.

FAQs

Can my child get antibiotics for a common cold through telemedicine?

Antibiotics do not work against viruses that cause the common cold, so they are usually not prescribed. The healthcare provider will focus on symptom relief and home care.

How long does a common cold usually last in children?

Common colds typically last about 7 to 10 days. Symptoms often improve gradually during this time.

When should I seek emergency care for my child?

Seek emergency care if your child has trouble breathing, very high fever, severe dehydration signs, or is extremely drowsy or unresponsive.

Is it safe to give my child over-the-counter medicines for cold symptoms?

Yes, but only use medicines appropriate for your child's age and follow dosing instructions carefully. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure.

What if my child's symptoms do not improve after the telemedicine visit?

If symptoms worsen or do not improve within about 7 to 10 days, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation, which may require an in-person visit.

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. Common Cold - Merck Manuals Consumer Version — Merck & Co., Inc..

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