What happens after a telemedicine visit for Pertussis (Whooping Cough) - Triage

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for pertussis, also known as whooping cough, you will usually receive guidance on managing symptoms and preventing the spread of infection. Your healthcare provider may recommend medications such as antibiotics to help reduce the severity and duration of the illness, especially if started early. You will likely be advised to stay isolated from others to avoid spreading the bacteria. Follow-up care may include monitoring your symptoms and knowing when to seek urgent help. Telemedicine can help with initial evaluation and ongoing advice, but some situations require in-person care. It is important to watch for warning signs like difficulty breathing, dehydration, or severe coughing fits. This guide helps you understand what to expect after your telemedicine visit and how to care for yourself or others safely at home.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath — call emergency services immediately.
• Bluish color of lips, face, or nails — seek urgent medical care.
• Unable to eat, drink, or keep fluids down — contact your healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of symptoms and exposure history.
• Providing education on pertussis and infection control.
• Prescribing antibiotics if appropriate and safe to do so remotely.
• Scheduling follow-up telehealth visits for monitoring progress.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams or lung auscultation.
• Collecting diagnostic samples like throat or nasal swabs.
• Managing severe breathing difficulties or emergencies.
• Providing inpatient care or oxygen therapy.

Understanding Pertussis and Your Telemedicine Visit

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria. It leads to severe coughing fits that can make breathing difficult. During your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, exposure history, and may recommend testing. They will assess if you need antibiotics or other treatments and give advice on how to manage symptoms at home.

What Happens After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your visit, you may receive a prescription for antibiotics if pertussis is suspected or confirmed. Antibiotics can help reduce how long you are contagious and may lessen symptoms if started early. You will be advised to stay home and avoid contact with others, especially infants, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. Your provider may schedule a follow-up telehealth appointment to check your progress.

Monitoring Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Keep track of your symptoms daily. While coughing fits can be intense, watch for signs of worsening, such as difficulty breathing, bluish lips or face, dehydration, or inability to eat or drink. If you notice these, seek emergency care immediately. Also, if you develop a high fever or symptoms do not improve after several days of treatment, contact your healthcare provider.

Preventing Spread to Others

Pertussis spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. To protect others, stay isolated at home until you have completed at least five days of appropriate antibiotics and your symptoms improve. Cover your mouth when coughing, wash your hands often, and clean frequently touched surfaces. Inform close contacts so they can watch for symptoms and get treatment if needed.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Pertussis

Telemedicine is useful for initial evaluation and follow-up advice but cannot replace physical exams or emergency care. If you have severe symptoms or complications, you will need to visit a healthcare facility in person. Testing for pertussis may require a throat or nasal swab, which might not be done during a telemedicine visit.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your symptoms and when they started.
• Know if you have been in contact with someone diagnosed with pertussis.
• Prepare a list of your current medications and allergies.
• Ensure a quiet, private space with good internet or phone connection.
• Have a thermometer and a way to measure your breathing rate if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed.
• Stay isolated from others to prevent spreading infection.
• Monitor symptoms daily and note any changes or worsening.
• Follow hygiene practices like frequent handwashing and covering coughs.
• Attend any scheduled follow-up telemedicine appointments.
• Seek emergency care if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

How long does pertussis usually last?

Pertussis symptoms can last for several weeks, often 6 to 10 weeks. The severe coughing fits typically improve gradually over time, but full recovery may take longer.

Can I return to work or school after a telemedicine visit?

You should stay home and avoid contact with others until you have completed at least five days of antibiotics and your symptoms have improved, to reduce the risk of spreading pertussis.

Are antibiotics always needed for pertussis?

Antibiotics are usually recommended to reduce contagiousness and may help lessen symptoms if started early. Your healthcare provider will decide based on your situation.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse after the telemedicine visit?

If you experience worsening symptoms such as difficulty breathing, bluish lips or face, or dehydration, seek emergency medical care immediately. Contact your healthcare provider for other concerns.

Can children get pertussis too?

Yes, pertussis can affect people of all ages but is especially dangerous for infants and young children. If you care for children, ensure they are up to date with vaccinations and avoid exposing them if you are sick.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or emergencies, seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare facility.