Red Flags & When to Go In Person for HIV Testing & PrEP Consultation

Audience: pediatric

HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) consultations can often be started through telemedicine, providing a safe and private way for young people to learn about HIV prevention. Telehealth visits allow healthcare providers to discuss risk factors, explain testing options, and guide on PrEP use. However, certain symptoms or situations require an in-person visit to ensure proper care. This guide helps young people and their caregivers understand when to seek face-to-face medical attention. It also explains what telemedicine can and cannot do for HIV-related care, helping families prepare for virtual visits and understand follow-up steps. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool but not a replacement for urgent or detailed in-person evaluation when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, or sore throat occurring suddenly — seek in-person care promptly.
• Recent high-risk exposure to HIV (e.g., unprotected sex, needle sharing) within the last 72 hours — urgent evaluation needed.
• Inability to complete recommended HIV testing or obtain PrEP medication through telemedicine — arrange in-person visit.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing HIV risk and prevention strategies.
• Providing education about HIV testing and PrEP.
• Prescribing PrEP when appropriate and safe.
• Answering questions about medication use and side effects.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams or collecting blood samples for HIV testing.
• Managing acute symptoms suggestive of recent HIV infection or other illnesses.
• Administering injectable medications or treatments.
• Handling emergencies or complex medical conditions requiring hands-on care.

What is HIV Testing and PrEP Consultation?

HIV testing checks if someone has the human immunodeficiency virus. PrEP is a medicine that helps prevent HIV infection before exposure. A consultation is a talk with a healthcare provider to learn about risks, testing, and prevention options. Telemedicine lets you have this talk by phone or video from home.

When Telemedicine Works Well for HIV Testing and PrEP

Telemedicine can help with:

Red Flags: When to Go In Person

Certain signs mean you should see a healthcare provider in person right away:

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your appointment:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your visit:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List any symptoms or concerns you have.
• Know your recent sexual history and possible HIV exposure.
• Prepare questions about HIV testing and PrEP.
• Ensure a private, quiet space for your telemedicine visit.
• Test your internet connection and device before the appointment.

After your tele-visit

• Complete any HIV tests as instructed, either at home or in a clinic.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if recommended.
• Start PrEP medication as prescribed and follow dosing instructions.
• Monitor for any side effects or new symptoms and report them.
• Keep a record of your HIV status and prevention plan for future visits.

FAQs

Can I get an HIV test through telemedicine?

Telemedicine providers can guide you on HIV testing options, including at-home test kits or local clinics. However, the actual test usually requires a sample collected in person or using a home kit.

Is PrEP safe for young people?

PrEP is generally safe and effective for adolescents and young adults. A healthcare provider will assess your health and risks before prescribing it and monitor you regularly.

What if I have symptoms like fever or rash?

If you have symptoms such as fever, rash, or swollen glands, you should see a healthcare provider in person promptly. These could be signs of recent HIV infection or other illnesses needing physical examination.

Can I start PrEP without an HIV test?

Starting PrEP usually requires an HIV test to ensure you do not already have HIV. Your provider will help arrange testing before prescribing PrEP.

Sources

1. HIV Testing and Counseling — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) — National Institutes of Health (NIH) HIVinfo.
3. HIV/AIDS: What is PrEP? — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
4. Telehealth: Delivering Care Safely During COVID-19 — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience any urgent symptoms or have concerns about your health, please seek prompt evaluation from a healthcare professional in person.