How to prepare for a video visit about Rabies Exposure (Post-Exposure) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

If a child may have been exposed to rabies, it is important to act quickly. Rabies is a serious virus that can spread through bites or scratches from infected animals. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help assess the risk and decide on next steps. During the visit, the provider will ask about the animal involved, the type of contact, and the child's health history. This guide helps families prepare for the video visit by gathering important information and understanding what to expect. Remember, rabies exposure is a medical emergency that often requires prompt treatment to prevent illness. Telemedicine can provide timely advice but may not replace urgent in-person care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Deep or bleeding animal bite requiring immediate wound care — seek emergency care.
• Signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus around the wound.
• Symptoms like fever, headache, muscle weakness, confusion, or difficulty swallowing after exposure.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial risk assessment of rabies exposure based on history and visual inspection of wounds.
• Providing guidance on wound cleaning and first aid.
• Determining need for urgent in-person evaluation or post-exposure prophylaxis referral.
• Answering questions about rabies and exposure risks.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Administering rabies vaccine or immunoglobulin treatment.
• Performing physical wound cleaning or suturing.
• Managing severe allergic reactions or medical emergencies.
• Diagnosing or treating symptoms that require hands-on examination or hospital care.

What is Rabies Exposure?

Rabies is a virus that affects the brain and is usually spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Common animals that may carry rabies include bats, dogs, raccoons, foxes, and skunks. If a child has been bitten or scratched by such an animal, or if saliva from the animal has touched broken skin or mucous membranes, there is a risk of rabies exposure.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, gather as much information as possible about the incident. Note the type of animal involved, where and when the exposure happened, and the nature of the bite or scratch (deep or shallow). Also, prepare to share the child's vaccination history and any symptoms they may be experiencing. Having a quiet, well-lit space with a stable internet connection will help the visit go smoothly.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about the exposure to assess the risk of rabies. They may request to see the wound through the camera. Based on the information, they will advise if immediate medical care or rabies post-exposure treatment is necessary. They may also guide you on wound care and whether to seek emergency care.

When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care

If the child shows signs of severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, altered consciousness, or if the animal involved is behaving unusually, seek emergency medical care immediately. Rabies exposure is urgent and sometimes requires treatment that cannot be given through telemedicine.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet connection for the video visit.
• Have details ready about the animal involved (type, behavior, vaccination status if known).
• Note the time, location, and nature of the bite or scratch.
• Prepare to show the wound clearly on camera if possible.
• Have the child's health and vaccination history available.
• List any symptoms the child is experiencing.
• Keep emergency contact numbers handy in case urgent care is needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully regarding wound care and monitoring.
• If advised, seek prompt in-person care for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.
• Watch for signs of infection or worsening symptoms and report them immediately.
• Keep follow-up appointments as recommended.
• Ensure the child completes any prescribed treatment or vaccination series.

FAQs

What animals can carry rabies?

Rabies can be carried by many mammals, including bats, dogs, raccoons, foxes, and skunks. Wild animals and unvaccinated pets are common sources of rabies infection.

Can rabies be treated after exposure?

Yes, rabies can often be prevented if treatment is started quickly after exposure. This usually involves cleaning the wound and receiving rabies vaccine and sometimes rabies immunoglobulin. Early treatment is very important.

Is a video visit enough after a possible rabies exposure?

A video visit can help assess the risk and guide next steps, but it may not replace urgent in-person care. If the exposure is high risk or the wound is severe, you will likely need to visit a healthcare facility promptly.

What should I do if the animal that bit my child is not found?

If the animal cannot be found or tested, healthcare providers often recommend starting rabies post-exposure treatment as a precaution, especially if the exposure was significant.

How can I protect my child from rabies?

Avoid contact with wild or unfamiliar animals, vaccinate pets, and teach children not to approach or touch animals they do not know. Seek medical advice immediately if a bite or scratch occurs.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you believe your child has been exposed to rabies or has any urgent symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.