What happens after a telemedicine visit for Scarlet Fever (Child) - Triage

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for a child suspected of having scarlet fever, you will usually receive guidance on treatment steps and monitoring at home. Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that often requires antibiotic treatment. The healthcare provider may recommend starting antibiotics if symptoms and history suggest scarlet fever. They will also advise on managing fever, pain, and hydration. You may be told what signs to watch for that need urgent care. Follow-up may be suggested to ensure the child improves and to prevent complications. Telemedicine can help with initial assessment and advice, but some situations need in-person care. Always keep emergency contact information handy and seek immediate help if the child's condition worsens.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing or swallowing — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever (above 39°C or 102°F) that does not improve with medication — contact healthcare provider or emergency services.
• Signs of dehydration such as very dry mouth, no tears when crying, or decreased urination — seek prompt medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of symptoms and history related to scarlet fever.
• Providing guidance on medication use and home care.
• Monitoring mild to moderate symptoms and advising on when to seek further care.
• Answering questions about disease prevention and transmission.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing throat cultures or rapid strep tests to confirm diagnosis.
• Managing severe symptoms requiring physical examination or hospital care.
• Administering intravenous medications or emergency interventions.
• Evaluating complications such as abscesses or rheumatic fever.

What to expect immediately after the telemedicine visit

Your healthcare provider will likely explain the diagnosis and recommend starting antibiotics if scarlet fever is suspected. They will advise on how to give the medicine and how long to continue it, usually 10 days. They may also suggest ways to reduce fever and discomfort, such as using acetaminophen or ibuprofen and encouraging fluids.

Monitoring your child’s symptoms at home

Watch for improvement in fever, rash, and sore throat over the next few days. Keep track of any new symptoms or worsening condition. Make sure your child rests and stays hydrated. Avoid close contact with others until at least 24 hours after starting antibiotics to reduce spread.

When to seek in-person medical care

If your child develops difficulty breathing, severe throat pain, high fever that does not improve, rash spreading rapidly, or signs of dehydration, seek emergency care immediately. Also, if symptoms do not improve within 48 to 72 hours after starting treatment, an in-person evaluation is important.

Follow-up after the telemedicine visit

You may be advised to schedule a follow-up appointment with your child's healthcare provider to confirm recovery. This can be via telemedicine or in-person depending on your child's progress. Completing the full course of antibiotics is important to prevent complications.

Preventing spread and protecting others

Scarlet fever is contagious. Encourage frequent handwashing and avoid sharing utensils or bedding. Keep your child home from school or daycare until they have taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours and feel well enough to participate in activities.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have your child’s symptom history ready, including onset and severity.
• Prepare a list of current medications and allergies.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit area for the telemedicine visit.
• Have a thermometer and any recent vital signs available.
• Be ready to describe the rash and take photos if possible.
• Have questions written down to discuss with the healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Start antibiotics as prescribed and complete the full course.
• Use fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as advised.
• Encourage rest and plenty of fluids.
• Monitor symptoms daily and watch for red flags.
• Keep your child isolated from others until no longer contagious.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended.

FAQs

Can scarlet fever be treated through telemedicine alone?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide treatment, including prescribing antibiotics when appropriate. However, confirmation tests and in-person care may be needed if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

How soon should my child start feeling better after antibiotics?

Many children begin to improve within 24 to 48 hours after starting antibiotics. If there is no improvement or symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider.

Is scarlet fever contagious during treatment?

Scarlet fever is contagious until the child has been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours. During this time, keep your child away from school or group settings to prevent spreading the infection.

What should I do if my child refuses to take antibiotics?

Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to encourage medication adherence. Never stop antibiotics without medical advice, as incomplete treatment can lead to complications.

Can I use home remedies to treat scarlet fever?

Home remedies like rest, fluids, and fever reducers can help manage symptoms, but they do not replace antibiotics, which are necessary to treat the infection effectively.

Sources

1. Scarlet Fever — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Scarlet Fever — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Scarlet Fever — Mayo Clinic.
4. Scarlet Fever: Diagnosis and Management — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child's condition worsens or you have concerns, seek immediate medical care.