What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for COVID-19 in Children

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for COVID-19 in children, parents and caregivers often wonder what to expect next. Typically, the healthcare provider will review symptoms, offer advice on care at home, and discuss when to seek further help. Most children with mild COVID-19 recover at home with rest, fluids, and monitoring. Follow-up may include watching for new or worsening symptoms and keeping in touch with the healthcare team if needed. It is important to watch for emergency warning signs, such as difficulty breathing or persistent high fever, which require immediate medical attention. Telemedicine can help guide families through care but cannot replace in-person exams when a child’s condition worsens. This guide explains common next steps, safety tips, and answers common questions about caring for a child after a telemedicine visit for COVID-19.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has trouble breathing or is breathing very fast — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child’s lips or face turn blue or gray — call emergency services right away.
• Child is very sleepy, hard to wake, or confused — get urgent medical help.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild COVID-19 symptoms in children
• Providing advice on home care and symptom monitoring
• Guidance on when to seek in-person care or emergency services
• Answering questions about COVID-19 and isolation protocols

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams requiring hands-on assessment
• Administering or interpreting diagnostic tests like chest X-rays or blood tests
• Managing severe or worsening symptoms requiring emergency intervention
• Prescribing certain medications that require in-person evaluation

What to Expect Right After the Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine appointment, the healthcare provider may suggest ways to care for your child at home. This often includes monitoring symptoms, giving fluids, and managing fever or pain with safe medicines. You might receive instructions on how to isolate your child to prevent spreading the virus to others. The provider may also explain when to check in again or come in for an in-person visit if needed.

Monitoring Your Child’s Symptoms

Keep a close eye on your child’s symptoms over the next days. Common signs of COVID-19 include cough, fever, sore throat, and tiredness. Most children improve within one to two weeks. Use a thermometer to check temperature regularly. Watch for any new or worsening symptoms. If your child has trouble breathing, persistent pain, or confusion, seek emergency care immediately.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Certain signs mean your child needs urgent medical attention. These include:

If you see any of these, call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital right away.

How Telemedicine Helps and Its Limits

Telemedicine allows your healthcare provider to evaluate your child’s symptoms and give advice without leaving home. It helps reduce exposure to others and offers quick guidance. However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams or tests that require special equipment. If your child’s symptoms worsen or do not improve, an in-person visit may be necessary for further evaluation and treatment.

Tips for Home Care After the Visit

To help your child recover:

Follow all instructions given by your healthcare provider carefully.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have your child’s symptom history ready, including when symptoms started and how they have changed.
• Prepare a list of any medicines your child is taking, including doses.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the telemedicine visit with good internet connection.
• Have a thermometer and any other home monitoring tools available.
• Write down questions or concerns you want to discuss with the healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions for home care and symptom monitoring.
• Keep track of your child’s temperature and any new symptoms.
• Isolate your child from others as recommended to prevent spread.
• Contact the healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve as expected.
• Seek emergency care immediately if any red flag symptoms appear.

FAQs

How long does it usually take for a child to recover from COVID-19?

Most children with mild COVID-19 recover within one to two weeks. Some symptoms like cough or tiredness may last a bit longer but usually improve over time.

Can I give my child medicine to reduce fever or pain?

Yes, medicines like acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and relieve pain. Use the correct dose for your child’s age and weight, and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.

When should I call the doctor after the telemedicine visit?

Call your healthcare provider if your child’s symptoms get worse, new symptoms appear, or if you have any concerns about their health. Also, if your child is not improving as expected after several days.

Is it safe to keep my child at home with COVID-19?

Yes, most children with mild COVID-19 can safely recover at home with proper care and isolation to prevent spreading the virus to others.

What should I do if my child needs to see a doctor in person?

If your child’s symptoms worsen or if the healthcare provider recommends, schedule an in-person visit. Follow all safety guidelines to protect your child and others during the visit.

Sources

1. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. COVID-19: What to Do If You Are Sick — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. COVID-19 in Children and Teens — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Treatment Guidelines — National Institutes of Health (NIH).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child’s condition worsens or you have concerns, seek care from a healthcare professional promptly.