What happens after a telemedicine visit for Rabies Exposure (Post-Exposure) - Triage

Audience: adult

If you have had a possible exposure to rabies, a telemedicine visit can help assess your risk and guide your next steps. Rabies is a serious infection usually spread by animal bites or scratches. After your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider may recommend urgent treatments like wound cleaning, rabies vaccine, and sometimes rabies immune globulin to prevent infection. You will likely be advised to get these treatments in person, as they require medical procedures. Follow-up appointments may be needed to complete the vaccine series. Watch for any signs of infection or worsening symptoms and seek emergency care if they occur. Telemedicine is a helpful first step but cannot replace in-person emergency care when needed. This guide explains what to expect after your telemedicine visit, how to prepare, and when to get urgent help.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden weakness, confusion, or seizures — go to the emergency department right away.
• Wound shows signs of severe infection such as increasing redness, swelling, pus, or severe pain — contact your healthcare provider or emergency services promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial risk assessment of possible rabies exposure.
• Providing guidance on wound care and next steps.
• Answering questions about rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
• Scheduling and advising on in-person treatment needs.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Administering rabies vaccine or immune globulin.
• Performing wound cleaning or medical procedures.
• Diagnosing rabies infection definitively.
• Managing severe symptoms or medical emergencies.

What to expect after your telemedicine visit

After your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will review your exposure details and risk factors. They may advise you to visit a clinic or hospital promptly for wound cleaning and to start rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which includes a series of rabies vaccines and sometimes rabies immune globulin. These treatments are critical to prevent rabies infection, which is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Your provider will also explain the vaccine schedule and any other care instructions.

Why in-person treatment is often necessary

Rabies PEP involves injections that must be given in a healthcare setting. Wound cleaning is also important to reduce infection risk. While telemedicine can help assess your situation and provide guidance, the actual treatment requires trained medical staff and sterile conditions. You will likely need multiple visits over several weeks to complete the vaccine series and ensure full protection.

Monitoring your health after exposure

After starting treatment, watch for signs of infection at the wound site, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or pus. Also be alert for symptoms like fever, headache, muscle weakness, or confusion, which could indicate complications. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately. Regular follow-up visits may be scheduled to monitor your progress.

When to seek emergency care

Seek emergency medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, swallowing, sudden weakness, seizures, confusion, or if the wound becomes severely infected. Rabies symptoms progress rapidly and require urgent care. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider or if symptoms worsen suddenly, go to the nearest emergency department without delay.

How to prepare for your telemedicine visit

Before your telemedicine appointment, gather information about the exposure: the type of animal involved, when and where it happened, and details about the wound. Have a list of your current medications and medical conditions ready. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and a quiet place for the visit. Write down any questions or concerns to discuss with your provider.

Next steps after your telemedicine visit

Follow your provider’s instructions carefully. Schedule and attend any recommended in-person visits promptly. Complete the full course of rabies vaccines as advised. Keep the wound clean and monitor for any changes. Maintain communication with your healthcare team and report any concerns. Remember, timely treatment is key to preventing rabies infection.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the date, time, and details of the animal exposure (bite, scratch, lick).
• Identify the type of animal involved and its behavior if known.
• Prepare a list of your current medications and medical history.
• Find a quiet, private space with good internet connection for your telemedicine visit.
• Write down any questions or symptoms to discuss with your healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow instructions to get in-person wound cleaning and rabies vaccination promptly.
• Complete the full rabies vaccine series on schedule, usually over several weeks.
• Monitor the wound for signs of infection and report any concerns.
• Watch for neurological symptoms and seek emergency care if they appear.
• Keep follow-up appointments as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Maintain communication with your healthcare team for any questions or new symptoms.

FAQs

Can rabies be treated after exposure?

Yes, rabies can often be prevented if treatment starts quickly after exposure. This treatment is called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and includes thorough wound cleaning, rabies vaccine, and sometimes rabies immune globulin. Starting PEP as soon as possible is critical.

Why do I need to see a healthcare provider in person after a telemedicine visit?

Rabies treatment involves injections and wound care that must be done in a clinical setting by trained professionals. Telemedicine can guide you but cannot provide these medical procedures remotely.

How soon should I get treatment after a possible rabies exposure?

You should seek medical care immediately after a possible exposure. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chance of preventing rabies infection.

What animals can transmit rabies?

Rabies is most commonly spread by bites or scratches from infected mammals such as dogs, bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks. Not all animals carry rabies, but any mammal bite should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Can I wait to see if symptoms develop before getting treatment?

No. Rabies symptoms usually appear weeks to months after exposure but once symptoms start, the disease is almost always fatal. Preventive treatment must begin before symptoms develop.

Sources

1. Rabies — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Rabies — Mayo Clinic.
4. Rabies — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

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