What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Lyme Disease (Early) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for early Lyme disease in children, you will usually receive guidance on symptoms to watch for and how to manage care at home. Early Lyme disease often presents with a rash and flu-like symptoms. Your healthcare provider may recommend starting antibiotics if the diagnosis is likely. Follow-up care is important to ensure the infection is responding to treatment. During the visit, the provider will assess symptoms and may advise testing if needed. You will be given instructions on how to care for your child and when to seek urgent medical attention. Telemedicine can help with education and monitoring but cannot replace in-person exams if symptoms worsen or complications develop. Always keep track of your child’s symptoms and communicate with your healthcare provider as recommended.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• High fever lasting more than 3 days despite treatment — seek in-person medical care immediately.
• Signs of neurological problems such as severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, or difficulty walking — go to emergency care.
• Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting — seek emergency medical attention without delay.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Providing education about Lyme disease and prevention.
• Guiding when to start treatment and how to monitor symptoms.
• Answering questions about care and follow-up instructions.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams that require hands-on evaluation.
• Administering or supervising intravenous treatments.
• Diagnosing complications requiring urgent imaging or lab tests.
• Managing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms needing emergency care.

What to Expect Right After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will review your child's symptoms and exposure history. They may suggest starting antibiotic treatment if early Lyme disease is likely. You will get advice on how to watch for changes in symptoms and how to care for your child at home. Sometimes, your provider may recommend blood tests to confirm the diagnosis, but these are often not needed in early stages.

Monitoring Symptoms and Follow-Up Care

Keep a close eye on your child's symptoms over the next days and weeks. The rash and fever should improve with treatment. Follow any instructions for follow-up visits or calls to check progress. If symptoms do not improve or new symptoms appear, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If your child develops severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, difficulty walking, chest pain, or fainting, seek emergency medical care immediately. These signs may indicate complications that require urgent in-person evaluation.

How Telemedicine Supports Lyme Disease Care

Telemedicine allows you to connect with healthcare providers quickly for advice and monitoring. It can help guide treatment decisions and answer questions. However, it cannot perform physical exams or urgent procedures. In-person care may be needed if symptoms worsen or complications arise.

Preventing Lyme Disease in the Future

Learn how to protect your child from tick bites by using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and checking for ticks after outdoor activities. Early removal of ticks reduces the chance of infection.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have your child's symptom history ready, including when symptoms started.
• Note any recent tick bites or outdoor activities in tick-prone areas.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.
• Ensure a stable internet connection and a quiet space for the telemedicine visit.
• Have a way to take notes during the visit for instructions and follow-up plans.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan and give antibiotics as prescribed if recommended.
• Monitor your child's symptoms daily and note any changes.
• Schedule or attend any follow-up appointments as advised by the provider.
• Keep emergency contact numbers handy in case of worsening symptoms.
• Practice tick prevention measures to reduce future risk.

FAQs

Can Lyme disease be diagnosed through a telemedicine visit?

Telemedicine providers can assess symptoms and exposure history to suggest if Lyme disease is likely. However, physical examination and sometimes lab tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Early Lyme disease is often diagnosed based on symptoms and rash appearance.

What should I do if my child's symptoms do not improve after starting treatment?

If your child's symptoms do not improve within a few days of starting antibiotics or if new symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider promptly. They may recommend an in-person evaluation or additional testing.

Is it safe to treat Lyme disease at home after a telemedicine visit?

Many children with early Lyme disease can be safely treated at home with prescribed antibiotics and close monitoring. Follow your provider's instructions carefully and watch for any warning signs that require urgent care.

How soon should I seek emergency care for my child?

Seek emergency care immediately if your child develops severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, difficulty walking, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or any sudden severe symptoms. These could indicate serious complications.

Can telemedicine replace all Lyme disease care?

Telemedicine is helpful for initial assessment and follow-up but cannot replace in-person exams when physical evaluation or urgent treatment is needed. Always follow your provider's advice about when to seek in-person care.

Sources

1. Lyme Disease — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Lyme Disease — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Lyme Disease — 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. Always seek direct evaluation by a healthcare professional if symptoms worsen or emergency signs appear.