How to prepare for a video visit about Lyme Disease (Early) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

If your child may have early Lyme disease, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help decide the next steps. Early Lyme disease often starts with a rash that looks like a bull's-eye and flu-like symptoms such as fever and tiredness. Preparing for the video visit helps you share important information and get clear advice. During the visit, the provider will ask about your child's symptoms, recent outdoor activities, and any tick bites or exposures. While telemedicine can guide you on whether your child needs in-person care or testing, it cannot replace a physical exam or lab tests. If your child shows serious symptoms like difficulty breathing, severe headache, or weakness, seek urgent care immediately. This guide will help you prepare, know what telemedicine can and cannot do, and understand what to expect after the visit.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath — seek emergency care immediately.
• Severe headache with neck stiffness or confusion — get urgent medical attention.
• Weakness or numbness in limbs or face — go to emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Visual inspection of visible rashes or skin changes via video.
• Providing guidance on when to seek in-person care or testing.
• Answering questions about Lyme disease and its early signs.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams that require touch or detailed neurological assessment.
• Collecting blood or other samples for laboratory testing.
• Administering treatments or medications in person.
• Emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.

What is Early Lyme Disease?

Early Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria spread through tick bites. It often causes a red rash that looks like a bull's-eye and flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and feeling tired. Early treatment can help prevent more serious problems later.

Preparing for Your Child's Video Visit

Before the video visit, gather information about your child's symptoms, when they started, and any recent time spent outdoors in areas with ticks. Have a way to show the rash clearly on camera if possible. Write down any questions you have about your child's health.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, recent tick exposure, and medical history. They may ask you to show the rash or other signs on camera. Based on this information, they will advise if your child needs further testing, treatment, or in-person care.

When to Seek Immediate Care

If your child has trouble breathing, severe headache, neck stiffness, weakness, confusion, or high fever, seek emergency care right away. These signs may mean the infection is affecting the nervous system or other serious complications.

After the Video Visit

Follow the healthcare provider's advice carefully. This may include watching for new symptoms, starting antibiotics, or scheduling an in-person exam or lab tests. Keep track of your child's progress and contact the provider if symptoms worsen or new problems develop.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the video visit.
• Have your child's recent symptom details ready, including when they started.
• Be prepared to show any rashes or skin changes clearly on camera.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to a stable internet connection.
• Have a list of current medications or allergies your child has.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions on treatment or testing.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely and note any changes.
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised or if symptoms worsen.
• Keep emergency contacts handy in case of sudden severe symptoms.
• Maintain communication with the healthcare provider for follow-up questions or concerns.

FAQs

What does the bull's-eye rash look like?

The bull's-eye rash usually starts as a red spot at the site of the tick bite and expands over several days. It often has a clear center with a red ring around it, resembling a target or bull's-eye. Not all children with Lyme disease develop this rash.

Can Lyme disease be diagnosed through a video visit?

A video visit can help a healthcare provider assess symptoms and decide if further testing is needed, but it cannot confirm Lyme disease. Blood tests and physical exams are often required for diagnosis.

What should I do if my child was bitten by a tick but has no symptoms?

If your child has no symptoms, watch for signs like rash, fever, or fatigue over the next few weeks. If any symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider. You do not usually need treatment if there are no symptoms.

How soon should treatment start if Lyme disease is suspected?

Early treatment is important and typically starts as soon as Lyme disease is suspected based on symptoms and exposure history. Your healthcare provider will guide you on the best timing and type of treatment.

Can Lyme disease be prevented?

Preventing tick bites is the best way to avoid Lyme disease. Use tick repellents, wear protective clothing, check for ticks after outdoor activities, and remove ticks promptly and properly.

Sources

1. Lyme Disease — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Lyme Disease — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Lyme Disease: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Lyme Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe or worsening symptoms, seek emergency or in-person care promptly.