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

Audience: pediatric

If you suspect your child has measles, preparing for a video visit can help you get the most out of the appointment. Measles is a contagious viral illness that often starts with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash. Early medical advice is important to manage symptoms and prevent complications. During the video visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, vaccination history, and possible exposure to measles. They may guide you on how to care for your child at home or decide if in-person care is needed. This guide helps you prepare for the video visit, understand when to seek urgent care, and what to expect afterward. Remember, telemedicine can support initial assessment but cannot replace in-person exams or tests when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever not responding to medication — contact healthcare provider or emergency services.
• Signs of dehydration such as very dry mouth, no tears when crying, or very little urine output — seek urgent care.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of symptoms and history.
• Providing guidance on home care and symptom management.
• Determining if urgent in-person care is needed.
• Answering questions about measles and prevention.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams that require touch or detailed observation.
• Conducting laboratory tests or imaging.
• Administering vaccines or treatments.
• Managing severe complications that require hospital care.

What is Measles and Why Early Care Matters?

Measles is a viral infection that spreads easily through coughs and sneezes. It usually causes fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red rash. Young children are often affected. Early care helps manage symptoms and lowers the risk of serious problems like pneumonia or ear infections.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, gather important information:

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms and health history. They may ask to see the rash or other signs through the camera. Based on this, they will advise if your child can be cared for at home or needs to be seen in person for tests or treatment.

When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care

If your child shows any of the following, seek urgent medical attention:

These signs may indicate serious complications.

After the Video Visit: What to Do Next

Follow the healthcare provider's advice carefully. This may include:

If symptoms worsen or new red flags appear, seek in-person care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Gather your child's symptom details including onset and changes.
• Have vaccination records and any recent exposure information ready.
• Ensure your device is charged and has a stable internet connection.
• Choose a quiet, well-lit space for the video visit.
• Prepare a list of your child's current medications and allergies.
• Have a thermometer and any medications you are using for your child nearby.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions for home care.
• Monitor your child's symptoms carefully for any worsening signs.
• Keep your child isolated to prevent spreading the infection.
• Use fever reducers as advised and maintain hydration.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments.
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can measles be treated through a video visit?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide home care, but there is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Supportive care, like fever control and hydration, is key. Severe cases may require in-person care.

How contagious is measles?

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughs, sneezes, and close contact. Infected individuals can spread the virus before symptoms appear, so isolation is important to prevent spread.

Should my child get the measles vaccine after suspected exposure?

If your child is not vaccinated and has been exposed, contact a healthcare provider promptly. Vaccination within a few days of exposure may help prevent illness or reduce severity.

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

Seek emergency care if your child has difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, severe cough, chest pain, signs of dehydration, or altered consciousness.

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 (Rubeola) — 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 symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek immediate medical attention.