What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) in Children

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for a child's sore throat (pharyngitis), parents usually receive advice on how to care for their child at home and when to seek further medical help. The healthcare provider may suggest treatments like rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medicines to ease symptoms. Sometimes, if a bacterial infection is suspected, a prescription for antibiotics may be given. Follow-up care may involve watching for improvement or worsening of symptoms. It's important to monitor the child closely and keep in touch with the healthcare provider if new symptoms appear or if the child does not get better within a few days. Telemedicine offers a convenient way to get medical advice but does not replace in-person visits when a physical exam or tests are needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing or noisy breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child cannot swallow saliva or is drooling excessively — seek urgent medical attention.
• High fever (above 39°C or 102°F) lasting more than 48 hours or worsening despite treatment — contact your healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of sore throat symptoms in children.
• Providing guidance on symptom management and home care.
• Prescribing antibiotics if bacterial infection is suspected and criteria are met.
• Determining if symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical throat examination or rapid strep testing.
• Managing severe symptoms such as airway obstruction or dehydration.
• Diagnosing other causes of sore throat that require specialized tests or imaging.
• Emergency care for life-threatening symptoms.

What to Expect Immediately After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your child's telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will usually explain the likely cause of the sore throat and recommend ways to manage symptoms at home. You may receive instructions on giving fluids, using pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and keeping the child comfortable. If needed, a prescription for antibiotics might be sent to your pharmacy if a bacterial infection is suspected.

Monitoring Your Child’s Symptoms

It is important to watch your child carefully after the visit. Most sore throats improve within a few days. Look for signs like reduced pain, ability to eat and drink, and normal energy levels. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, you should contact your healthcare provider again.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Some situations require an in-person visit, such as if your child has trouble breathing, severe pain, drooling, difficulty swallowing, or a high fever that does not improve. Physical exams and tests like throat swabs may be needed to guide treatment.

How to Care for Your Child at Home

Provide plenty of fluids and rest. Use a humidifier or warm liquids to soothe the throat. Avoid irritants like smoke. Follow dosing instructions carefully for any medicines given. Keep your child away from others if an infection is suspected to prevent spread.

Follow-Up and Additional Testing

If symptoms do not improve as expected, your healthcare provider may recommend a follow-up visit or additional testing. This helps ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Always keep communication open with your provider through telemedicine or in-person visits as needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have your child's symptom details ready, including when they started and how severe they are.
• Prepare a list of any other symptoms your child has, such as fever, cough, or rash.
• Know your child's medical history and any medications they are currently taking.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space for the telemedicine visit to allow clear communication.
• Have a thermometer available to provide accurate temperature readings if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions for giving medications and home care.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms closely and note any changes.
• Keep your child hydrated and rested as recommended.
• Contact the healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new concerning signs appear.
• Schedule a follow-up appointment if advised or if symptoms persist beyond expected timeframes.

FAQs

Can a telemedicine visit diagnose the cause of my child's sore throat?

Telemedicine providers can often assess symptoms and suggest likely causes, but they cannot perform physical exams or tests like throat swabs during the visit. Sometimes, a diagnosis is based on symptoms and history, but in-person visits may be needed for confirmation.

Will my child need antibiotics for a sore throat?

Not always. Many sore throats are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics. If a bacterial infection is suspected, the provider may prescribe antibiotics. It is important to use antibiotics only when recommended to avoid resistance.

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

If your child develops difficulty breathing, cannot swallow, has a high fever that does not improve, or shows other serious symptoms, seek in-person medical care immediately. For less urgent worsening, contact your healthcare provider for advice.

How can I help my child feel better at home?

Encourage rest and fluids, use age-appropriate pain relievers as directed, and keep the environment comfortable. Avoid irritants like smoke and dry air. Warm liquids or a humidifier may soothe the throat.

Is telemedicine safe for managing my child's sore throat?

Telemedicine is a safe and convenient way to get medical advice for many conditions, including sore throat. However, it does not replace the need for in-person care when physical exams or urgent treatment are required.

Sources

1. Sore Throat — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Pharyngitis (Sore Throat) in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Sore Throat: When to See a Doctor — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) — Mayo Clinic.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine guidance can help with initial assessment and advice but cannot replace in-person evaluation when physical examination, tests, or emergency treatment are needed. Always seek immediate care if your child has severe or worsening symptoms.