What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Mononucleosis (Suspected) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

If your child has had a telemedicine visit because mononucleosis (often called "mono") is suspected, you may wonder what comes next. Mono is a common viral illness in children and teens that usually causes fever, sore throat, and tiredness. After the tele-visit, the healthcare provider will often suggest ways to help your child feel better at home and may recommend tests to confirm the diagnosis. It is important to watch for any signs that need urgent care. Most children recover well with rest and fluids, but some may need follow-up visits or in-person exams if symptoms worsen. This guide explains what to expect after the telemedicine visit, how to prepare for follow-up care, and when to seek emergency help. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool for initial advice but does not replace in-person medical care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing — call emergency services immediately.
• Severe throat pain with inability to swallow liquids — seek urgent medical care.
• High fever lasting more than 3 days despite medication — contact healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of symptoms and medical history.
• Providing advice on symptom relief and home care.
• Determining if further testing or in-person care is needed.
• Follow-up consultations for monitoring mild symptoms.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination to check for swollen spleen or throat.
• Performing blood tests or throat cultures.
• Emergency care for severe breathing difficulties or dehydration.
• Diagnosing complications that require imaging or hospital care.

What to Expect After the Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider may recommend rest, plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter medicines to ease symptoms like fever and sore throat. They might suggest blood tests to confirm if your child has mononucleosis, which usually requires a visit to a lab or clinic. Sometimes, follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits are needed to check on your child's progress.

Common Symptoms and Home Care Tips

Mono symptoms often include tiredness, sore throat, swollen glands, and fever. Home care usually involves:

Avoiding contact sports is important because the spleen may be enlarged and at risk of injury.

When to Seek In-Person Care or Emergency Help

If your child develops any of the following, seek medical care promptly:

These signs may require urgent in-person evaluation.

Preparing for Follow-Up Visits or Tests

If your provider orders blood tests or follow-up visits, prepare by:

This helps the healthcare team provide the best care.

How Telemedicine Helps and Its Limits

Telemedicine can help by:

However, telemedicine cannot:

In-person care is important when symptoms are severe or unclear.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your child's symptoms ready, including when they started.
• Prepare a list of current medications and any allergies.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection for the tele-visit.
• Have a thermometer available to provide accurate temperature readings.
• Be ready to describe any changes in your child's condition since the last visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on rest, fluids, and medications.
• Schedule and complete any recommended blood tests or lab work.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely and note any changes.
• Attend follow-up telemedicine or in-person appointments as advised.
• Keep emergency contact numbers handy in case symptoms worsen.

FAQs

Can mononucleosis be treated with antibiotics?

No, mononucleosis is caused by a virus (usually the Epstein-Barr virus), so antibiotics are not effective. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms like fever and sore throat.

How long does it take for a child to recover from mono?

Recovery time varies, but most children start feeling better within 2 to 4 weeks. Fatigue may last longer, sometimes several weeks or months.

Is it safe for my child to go back to school after mono?

Your child should rest until they feel well enough to participate in school activities. Avoid contact sports for at least 3 to 4 weeks to protect the spleen, which can be enlarged and fragile during mono.

What tests confirm mononucleosis?

Blood tests, such as the heterophile antibody test (Monospot) or specific antibody tests for Epstein-Barr virus, can help confirm the diagnosis. These tests usually require a visit to a clinic or laboratory.

Can telemedicine diagnose mononucleosis?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide care but cannot definitively diagnose mono without physical exams and lab tests. In-person testing is often needed for confirmation.

Sources

1. Mononucleosis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Mononucleosis — Mayo Clinic.
4. Mononucleosis (Infectious) — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

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