How to prepare for a video visit about Influenza (Flu)

Audience: pediatric

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads easily, especially among children. If your child shows flu symptoms, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand what to do next. During the video visit, the provider will ask about symptoms, such as fever, cough, and body aches, and may give advice on care at home or when to seek in-person help. Preparing for the visit by having information ready and a quiet space can make the appointment easier. Remember, telemedicine can guide you but cannot replace in-person exams if your child's condition is severe. Always watch for warning signs like difficulty breathing or persistent high fever and seek emergency care if needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever lasting more than 3 days or fever above 40°C (104°F) — contact healthcare provider promptly.
• Unusual drowsiness, difficulty waking, or confusion — seek emergency care immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing symptoms and medical history.
• Providing advice on home care and symptom management.
• Determining if in-person care is needed.
• Answering questions about flu prevention and treatment.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations that require touch or specialized equipment.
• Administering laboratory tests or imaging.
• Treating severe or life-threatening symptoms remotely.
• Providing emergency medical interventions.

What is Influenza (Flu)?

Influenza is a contagious virus that causes fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, and fatigue. It spreads through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. Children often catch the flu and can spread it to others.

Preparing for Your Child's Video Visit

Before the video visit, find a quiet, well-lit place with a good internet connection. Have your child's recent symptoms ready, including when they started and how severe they are. Keep a list of any medicines your child is taking and note any allergies. Make sure your device's camera and microphone work well.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms and may ask to see your child on camera to check breathing and appearance. They will give advice on managing symptoms, when to rest, and when to seek in-person care. They may also discuss flu prevention, like handwashing and vaccination.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If your child has trouble breathing, persistent high fever, is unusually sleepy or hard to wake, or shows signs of dehydration (like not urinating), seek emergency medical care immediately. These are serious signs that need prompt attention.

Tips for After the Video Visit

Follow the healthcare provider's advice carefully. Keep your child resting and hydrated. Use fever reducers as recommended. Watch for any worsening symptoms and keep emergency numbers handy. Keep your child away from others to prevent spreading the flu.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space with a stable internet connection.
• Test your device’s camera and microphone before the visit.
• Have a list of your child’s symptoms, including when they started.
• Prepare a list of any medications your child is taking and allergies.
• Have a thermometer and any other relevant medical devices nearby.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions for care and medication.
• Keep your child well-rested and hydrated.
• Monitor symptoms closely and watch for any red flags.
• Keep your child away from others to prevent spreading the flu.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can a video visit diagnose the flu in my child?

A healthcare provider can often recognize flu symptoms during a video visit based on your child's history and appearance, but they cannot perform tests remotely. Sometimes, they may recommend an in-person visit for testing.

Is it safe to treat my child’s flu symptoms at home?

Many children with flu can be cared for at home with rest, fluids, and fever reducers. However, if your child shows serious symptoms, you should seek in-person care immediately.

How can I prevent my child from catching or spreading the flu?

Good hygiene like regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and keeping your child away from sick people help prevent flu. Annual flu vaccination is also recommended to reduce risk.

When should I call for emergency help during a flu illness?

Call emergency services if your child has trouble breathing, persistent high fever, is very sleepy or hard to wake, or shows signs of dehydration such as not urinating.

Can my child get flu medicine through telemedicine?

The provider may prescribe antiviral medicines during a video visit if appropriate, but sometimes an in-person visit or pharmacy consultation is needed.

Sources

1. Influenza (Flu) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Influenza — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Flu (Influenza) in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Influenza (Flu) — Mayo Clinic.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical care. Telemedicine can guide you but is not a substitute for in-person evaluation, especially in emergencies or severe illness. Always seek immediate care if your child has serious symptoms.