Can Telemedicine Treat Strep Throat (Suspected)?

Audience: pediatric

Strep throat is a common infection in children caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus. It often causes a sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing. Telemedicine can be a helpful way to get advice and initial care for suspected strep throat, especially when visiting a doctor in person is difficult. During a telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider can ask about symptoms and look at the throat via video to decide if testing or treatment may be needed. However, a lab test is usually needed to confirm strep throat, which may require an in-person visit. If strep throat is diagnosed, antibiotics can often be prescribed to help the child recover and prevent complications. Telemedicine can guide parents on symptom care and when to seek urgent care. It is important to watch for warning signs like trouble breathing or dehydration, which need immediate medical attention. Telemedicine is a useful tool but does not replace in-person exams when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Unable to swallow fluids or drooling excessively — go to emergency services.
• High fever lasting more than 3 days or worsening symptoms — contact healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and advice.
• Determining if testing or in-person visit is needed.
• Prescribing antibiotics if diagnosis is clear and safe.
• Guidance on symptom management and home care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing throat swab tests for strep confirmation.
• Physical examination requiring hands-on assessment.
• Managing severe or emergency symptoms.
• Administering treatments or procedures in person.

What is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is an infection caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus. It mainly affects the throat and tonsils, causing symptoms like sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, and swollen glands. It is common in children and spreads easily from person to person.

How Can Telemedicine Help?

Through a video or phone visit, a healthcare provider can ask about your child's symptoms and look at their throat to assess the situation. They can advise if your child likely has strep throat and whether testing or treatment is needed. Telemedicine can also provide guidance on managing symptoms and when to seek in-person care.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Strep Throat

A lab test, such as a rapid strep test or throat culture, is usually needed to confirm strep throat. These tests require a healthcare professional to collect a throat swab in person. Telemedicine cannot perform these tests or physically examine the throat, so sometimes an in-person visit is necessary.

Treatment and Care

If strep throat is confirmed, antibiotics are often prescribed to treat the infection. Telemedicine providers can prescribe these medications if they have enough information. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics. Rest, fluids, and pain relievers can help manage symptoms.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Watch for serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, drooling, severe throat pain that prevents swallowing, high fever not improving, or signs of dehydration. These require urgent in-person medical attention and cannot be managed through telemedicine alone.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have your child's symptom details ready, including when they started and how severe they are.
• Prepare to show your child's throat on video if possible (good lighting helps).
• List any medications your child is taking and any allergies.
• Note any recent exposures to others with strep throat or similar illnesses.
• Ensure you have a quiet space with good internet or phone connection for the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions on medications and symptom care.
• Complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics if given.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms and watch for any red flags.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms worsen or do not improve as advised.
• Keep your child home from school or daycare until they are no longer contagious, usually 24 hours after starting antibiotics.

FAQs

Can a doctor diagnose strep throat over a video call?

A doctor can assess symptoms and look at the throat via video to decide if strep throat is likely. However, a lab test is usually needed to confirm the diagnosis, which requires an in-person visit.

What if my child can't open their mouth wide enough for a video exam?

If it is hard to see the throat clearly over video, the healthcare provider may recommend an in-person visit to perform a proper examination and testing.

Are antibiotics always needed for strep throat?

Antibiotics are typically prescribed to treat strep throat because it is caused by bacteria. They help reduce symptoms faster and prevent complications. However, a confirmed diagnosis is important before starting antibiotics.

Can telemedicine handle emergencies related to strep throat?

No, emergencies like difficulty breathing or severe dehydration require immediate in-person medical care. Telemedicine is not suitable for urgent or life-threatening situations.

How soon after starting antibiotics is my child no longer contagious?

Children are usually no longer contagious about 24 hours after starting antibiotics, but they should complete the full course as prescribed.

Sources

1. Strep Throat — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Disease — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Strep Throat Diagnosis and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
4. Telehealth: What You Need to Know — World Health Organization (WHO).

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine can provide guidance but cannot replace in-person examinations or emergency care when needed. Always seek immediate medical attention if your child has severe symptoms or emergencies.