How to prepare for a video visit about Fever Without Source (Child) - Triage

Audience: adult

If your child has a fever without an obvious cause, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help decide the next steps. This guide explains how to prepare for such a telemedicine visit. You'll learn what information to have ready, what signs to watch for that need urgent care, and what telemedicine can and cannot do in this situation. Fever without source means the child has a fever but no clear reason like a rash or cough. While many fevers are mild, some need careful evaluation. Preparing well helps the provider understand your child's condition and offer the best advice. Remember, this guide is for education and triage only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or very fast breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child is very sleepy, hard to wake, or unresponsive — call emergency services right away.
• Seizures or convulsions — get emergency medical help immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Advice on fever management and home care.
• Determining if urgent in-person care is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring touch or specialized equipment.
• Performing laboratory tests or imaging.
• Managing medical emergencies or severe symptoms.

What is Fever Without Source in Children?

Fever without source means your child has a fever but no clear reason for it, such as a cold, ear infection, or rash. This can happen often in young children. Sometimes the cause is minor and goes away on its own. Other times, it may need more tests or treatment. Understanding this helps you know why a healthcare provider may ask many questions during a video visit.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

Before the visit, gather important details about your child's fever and health:

Also, have a quiet place with good lighting and a charged device ready for the video call.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms and may ask you to show your child on camera. They will look for signs that need urgent care or advice on home care. Sometimes, they may recommend an in-person visit or tests if needed. Be honest and detailed to help them understand your child's condition.

Red Flags That Need Immediate Attention

Watch for these danger signs in your child, and seek emergency care if they occur:

If you see any of these, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do

**Can handle:**

**Cannot handle:**

If the provider feels your child needs more tests or urgent care, they will advise you accordingly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Measure and record your child's temperature if possible.
• Note the start time and pattern of the fever.
• List any other symptoms your child has.
• Have your child's medical history available.
• Prepare a quiet, well-lit space with a charged device for the video call.
• Have any medications your child has taken ready to discuss.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on home care and monitoring.
• Watch for any red flag symptoms and seek emergency care if they occur.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended by the provider.
• Keep track of your child's symptoms and temperature.
• Contact your provider again if symptoms worsen or do not improve as advised.

FAQs

What is a fever without source in children?

It means your child has a fever but no clear cause like a rash, cough, or ear infection. It can be common in young children and sometimes needs further evaluation.

Can a video visit diagnose the cause of my child's fever?

A video visit can help assess symptoms and decide if further tests or in-person care are needed, but it cannot replace a physical exam or lab tests.

When should I seek emergency care for my child?

Seek emergency care if your child has difficulty breathing, is very sleepy or unresponsive, has seizures, persistent vomiting, or blue lips or face.

How can I help my child feel better at home?

You can give fever-reducing medicines as advised, keep your child hydrated, dress them comfortably, and monitor their symptoms closely.

What if I cannot get a thermometer?

If you do not have a thermometer, watch for signs like your child feeling very warm, sweating, or shivering. Share this information during the video visit.

Sources

1. Fever in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Managing Fever in Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Fever Without Source in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Fever in Children: When to Call the Doctor — Mayo Clinic.

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