How to prepare for a video visit about Measles (Suspected) - Triage

Audience: adult

If you suspect you or someone you care for has measles, preparing for a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you get the most from your appointment. Measles is a contagious viral illness that often starts with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash. During the video visit, the provider will ask about symptoms, exposure history, and may request to see the rash. This visit helps decide if further testing or in-person care is needed. Preparing your space with good lighting and having a list of symptoms and questions ready can improve the visit. Remember, telemedicine can help with initial assessment but cannot replace urgent in-person care if severe symptoms appear. If you notice trouble breathing, persistent high fever, or confusion, seek emergency care immediately.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever that does not improve with fever reducers — contact emergency services.
• Confusion, difficulty waking, or seizures — call emergency services without delay.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and triage for suspected measles.
• Review of exposure history and vaccination status.
• Visual inspection of rash via video.
• Guidance on isolation and prevention measures.
• Advice on when to seek in-person or emergency care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring palpation or auscultation.
• Laboratory testing or specimen collection.
• Administration of vaccines or medications.
• Emergency interventions for severe complications.
• In-person supportive care such as oxygen therapy or intravenous fluids.

What is Measles and Why Early Assessment Matters

Measles is a viral infection that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. It usually begins with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a red rash that spreads across the body. Early assessment helps prevent spread to others and guides care to avoid complications.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

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What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, recent exposures, and vaccination history. They may ask you to show the rash and check your breathing and general appearance. Based on this, they will advise if you need testing, treatment, or in-person care.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If you or the person with suspected measles has any of the following, seek emergency care immediately:

These signs may indicate serious complications.

Preventing the Spread of Measles

Measles is highly contagious. Stay isolated from others until a healthcare provider advises it is safe. Cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands often, and clean surfaces regularly. Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area with good internet connection for the video visit.
• Have identification and any previous medical records ready.
• Prepare a list of symptoms and their onset dates.
• Note any recent contact with someone diagnosed with measles.
• Be ready to show the rash clearly on camera if possible.
• Write down questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on isolation and symptom management.
• Monitor symptoms closely and note any worsening or new signs.
• Arrange for testing if recommended by the provider.
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or red flags develop.
• Keep hydrated and rest as much as possible.
• Inform close contacts to help prevent spread.

FAQs

Can a healthcare provider diagnose measles over a video visit?

A healthcare provider can assess symptoms and exposure history via video and may suspect measles, but a confirmed diagnosis often requires laboratory testing, which cannot be done through telemedicine.

Is it safe to have a video visit if I think I have measles?

Yes, a video visit helps reduce the risk of spreading measles to others by avoiding travel to healthcare facilities. It allows initial assessment and guidance on next steps.

What should I do if I cannot show the rash clearly during the video visit?

Try to use good lighting and a camera with zoom features. If showing the rash is not possible or unclear, the provider may recommend an in-person visit for better evaluation.

Can telemedicine provide treatment for measles?

Telemedicine can offer advice on symptom relief and prevention but cannot provide medications or vaccines. Treatment for measles mainly involves supportive care, which may require in-person visits.

How long should I isolate if measles is suspected?

Isolation typically lasts until at least four days after the rash appears, but follow the healthcare provider's specific recommendations based on your situation.

Sources

1. Measles — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Measles — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Measles (Rubeola) — Mayo Clinic.
4. Measles — World Health Organization (WHO).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.