What happens after a telemedicine visit for Fever Without Source (Child) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

When a child has a fever without an obvious cause, parents often seek medical advice through telemedicine. After a telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will usually guide you on monitoring symptoms, managing fever, and when to seek further care. The provider may recommend follow-up visits or in-person exams if needed. It's important to watch for warning signs like difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, or unusual behavior. Telemedicine can help assess the child's condition quickly and provide advice, but it cannot replace physical exams or tests that may be necessary. Parents should keep track of the child's temperature and symptoms and follow the care plan given. If the child's condition worsens or red flags appear, immediate in-person medical attention is important.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing or rapid breathing - seek emergency care immediately.
• Child is unusually drowsy, difficult to wake, or unresponsive - call emergency services.
• Fever lasts more than 3 days or is above 40°C (104°F) despite fever-reducing medication - arrange prompt in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of fever without clear source in a child.
• Providing advice on symptom monitoring and fever management.
• Guidance on when to seek emergency or in-person care.
• Answering questions about home care and medication dosing.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations that require hands-on assessment.
• Ordering or conducting laboratory tests or imaging.
• Diagnosing serious infections or conditions requiring immediate intervention.
• Administering treatments or emergency care procedures.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will summarize their findings and advice. They may suggest home care steps such as giving fever-reducing medicines, ensuring your child stays hydrated, and monitoring symptoms closely. They might also recommend scheduling an in-person visit if the fever persists or other symptoms develop.

Monitoring Your Child's Symptoms at Home

Keep a daily record of your child's temperature and any new symptoms. Watch for changes in behavior, feeding, or activity levels. Use a reliable thermometer and follow dosing instructions carefully if giving medication. Rest and fluids are often helpful.

When to Seek In-Person Medical Care

If your child develops any danger signs like difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, rash, seizures, or becomes unusually sleepy or irritable, seek emergency care immediately. Also, if the fever lasts more than a few days or worsens despite home care, an in-person evaluation is important.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Fever Without Source

Telemedicine can provide valuable guidance but cannot perform physical exams, blood tests, or imaging that may be needed to find the fever's cause. If the provider suspects a serious infection or condition, they will advise an in-person visit promptly.

Preparing for Follow-Up Care

Follow any instructions given during the telemedicine visit for follow-up. Keep all recommended appointments, whether virtual or in-person. Bring any notes or symptom logs to help healthcare providers assess your child's progress.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a reliable thermometer ready to measure your child's temperature.
• Prepare a list of your child's symptoms, including when the fever started and any other signs.
• Note any medications your child is currently taking.
• Ensure a quiet and well-lit space for the telemedicine visit.
• Have a pen and paper or device ready to take notes during the visit.
• Be ready to describe your child's behavior, feeding, and activity levels.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on fever management and symptom monitoring.
• Keep a daily log of your child's temperature and any new symptoms.
• Administer medications as directed, following dosage instructions carefully.
• Watch closely for any red flags or worsening symptoms.
• Schedule and attend any recommended follow-up appointments.
• Seek immediate in-person care if danger signs develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine replace an in-person visit for my child's fever?

Telemedicine can help assess your child's condition and provide guidance, but it cannot replace a physical exam or tests that may be needed. If your child's symptoms worsen or do not improve, an in-person visit is important.

What should I do if my child's fever does not go down after medication?

If the fever remains high despite medication or lasts more than three days, contact your healthcare provider. They may recommend an in-person evaluation to identify the cause and provide appropriate treatment.

How can I tell if my child's fever is serious?

Look for danger signs such as difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, rash, seizures, or unusual sleepiness. If any of these occur, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Is it safe to give fever-reducing medicine to my child?

Yes, fever-reducing medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are generally safe when given according to dosing instructions. Avoid giving aspirin to children. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice.

What information should I have ready for a telemedicine visit?

Have your child's current temperature, symptom details, any medications taken, and a list of questions or concerns ready. This helps the provider give the best advice during the visit.

Sources

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

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 are concerned about their health, seek immediate medical attention.