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

Audience: pediatric

If your child has been exposed to an animal that might have rabies, a telemedicine visit can help guide you on the next steps. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about the type of exposure, the animal involved, and the wound's details. After the visit, you may need to take your child to a healthcare facility for further care, including wound cleaning, rabies vaccination, or other treatments. It's important to watch your child closely for any signs of infection or illness and follow all instructions given by the healthcare provider. Telemedicine can quickly connect you with medical advice but is not a replacement for emergency care if your child’s condition worsens. Always seek in-person care if urgent symptoms appear.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever or severe headache developing after exposure — contact healthcare provider urgently.
• Confusion, unusual behavior, or weakness — go to emergency services without delay.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial risk assessment of rabies exposure.
• Guidance on wound care and first aid.
• Advice on when to seek in-person medical care.
• Answering questions about rabies prevention and vaccination schedules.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Administering rabies vaccines or immunoglobulin.
• Performing physical wound cleaning or examination.
• Managing severe or emergency symptoms.
• Diagnosing rabies infection definitively.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After the telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will decide if your child needs immediate treatment. This often includes cleaning the wound thoroughly and starting a series of rabies vaccinations to prevent infection. You may be advised to visit a clinic or hospital for these treatments. The provider might also recommend observing the animal if possible, but this depends on local health guidelines. Keep all follow-up appointments and report any new symptoms right away.

Wound Care at Home

Proper wound care is crucial after exposure. If your child has a bite or scratch, gently wash the area with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Avoid applying any creams or home remedies unless instructed by a healthcare provider. Keep the wound clean and dry, and watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or pus.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If your child develops signs such as difficulty breathing, severe headache, fever, confusion, excessive drooling, or muscle weakness, seek emergency medical care immediately. These symptoms could indicate serious complications and require urgent treatment.

How Telemedicine Helps

Telemedicine allows quick access to healthcare advice without leaving home. It can help assess the risk of rabies exposure, provide instructions for initial care, and guide you on whether your child needs urgent in-person treatment. However, telemedicine cannot provide vaccines or perform physical wound cleaning, so follow-up in-person care is often necessary.

Follow-Up and Vaccination Schedule

Rabies vaccination after exposure usually involves multiple doses over several weeks. Your healthcare provider will give you a schedule to follow. It's important to complete all doses to ensure protection. Keep a record of all treatments and appointments.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have details ready about the exposure: type of animal, location, and nature of the wound.
• Prepare to describe your child's symptoms and medical history.
• Ensure you have a reliable internet connection and a quiet place for the visit.
• Have a list of any medications your child is taking.
• Be ready to take notes during the consultation.

After your tele-visit

• Follow all wound care instructions carefully.
• Schedule and attend all recommended in-person appointments for vaccination and follow-up.
• Monitor your child for any new or worsening symptoms.
• Keep a record of all treatments and vaccine doses received.
• Contact healthcare provider promptly if red flag symptoms appear.

FAQs

Can rabies be prevented after exposure?

Yes. Rabies can often be prevented if treatment starts quickly after exposure. This includes thorough wound cleaning and a series of rabies vaccinations. Sometimes, rabies immunoglobulin is given for additional protection.

Is a telemedicine visit enough after a rabies exposure?

Telemedicine can help assess risk and provide initial advice, but it usually cannot replace in-person care needed for vaccines and wound treatment. Follow your provider's recommendations for follow-up visits.

What animals commonly carry rabies?

Rabies is often found in wild animals like bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks. Domestic animals like dogs and cats can also carry rabies if not vaccinated.

How soon should treatment start after exposure?

Treatment should begin as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours after exposure, to be most effective in preventing rabies infection.

Can rabies symptoms appear immediately?

No. Rabies symptoms usually take weeks to months to appear after exposure. This is why prompt treatment after exposure is critical.

Sources

1. Rabies — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Rabies — 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 your child’s condition worsens or you have concerns, seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare professional.