How to prepare for a video visit about Strep Throat (Suspected)

Audience: adult

If you think you might have strep throat, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help guide your next steps. Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that causes sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing. During the video visit, your provider will ask about your symptoms and may visually examine your throat. Preparing well for the visit can help you get the most out of it. This guide explains how to get ready, what to expect, and when to seek urgent care. Remember, telemedicine can provide helpful advice but is not a substitute for in-person evaluation when needed. If you have severe symptoms or trouble breathing, seek emergency care immediately.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Drooling or inability to open mouth — urgent in-person evaluation needed.
• High fever lasting more than 48 hours or worsening symptoms — contact healthcare promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment for suspected strep throat.
• Visual examination of throat via video.
• Guidance on need for testing or antibiotics.
• Advice on symptom management and when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a rapid strep test or throat culture.
• Administering antibiotics without proper testing when required.
• Evaluating severe symptoms needing emergency care.
• Physical examination beyond visual inspection (e.g., palpation).

What is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is an infection caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus. It often leads to a sudden sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, and swollen glands in the neck. Unlike a common cold, strep throat usually does not cause cough or runny nose. It is important to identify and treat strep throat to prevent complications and help you feel better faster.

How Telemedicine Can Help

During a video visit, your healthcare provider can ask about your symptoms and look at your throat through the camera. They can help decide if you likely have strep throat and whether you need testing or antibiotics. Telemedicine can save you time and reduce exposure to others if you are contagious. However, some cases may still require an in-person visit for testing or treatment.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

To prepare for your video visit:

What to Expect During the Visit

Your provider will ask about your symptoms, such as sore throat, fever, cough, or swollen glands. They may ask you to open your mouth wide and shine light on your throat so they can look for redness, swelling, or white patches. Based on this, they will advise if you need a strep test or antibiotics, or if you should see a provider in person for further care.

When to Seek Urgent Care

If you experience any of the following, seek emergency care immediately:

These symptoms may need urgent in-person evaluation.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit room with good internet connection.
• Have a flashlight or phone light ready to illuminate your throat.
• Write down your symptoms and when they started.
• List current medications and allergies.
• Prepare to describe your temperature and any other symptoms.
• Have a device with a working camera and microphone for the video call.

After your tele-visit

• Follow provider’s advice on medications and symptom care.
• Get a strep test in person if recommended.
• Monitor your symptoms and seek care if they worsen or new red flags appear.
• Complete the full course of antibiotics if prescribed.
• Practice good hygiene to prevent spreading infection.

FAQs

Can strep throat be diagnosed during a video visit?

A healthcare provider can assess your symptoms and look at your throat during a video visit, but a definitive diagnosis often requires a throat swab test done in person.

What if I cannot open my mouth wide for the video?

If you cannot open your mouth well, tell your provider. This may require an in-person visit to properly examine your throat and ensure safe care.

Do I need antibiotics for strep throat?

Antibiotics are usually needed for strep throat to prevent complications and speed recovery, but your provider will decide based on your symptoms and test results.

Can I spread strep throat to others?

Yes, strep throat is contagious. Avoid close contact, cover your mouth when coughing, and wash your hands often to reduce spread.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse after the video visit?

If symptoms worsen or you develop red flags like difficulty breathing or high fever, seek in-person or emergency care promptly.

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. Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical care. Telemedicine can provide guidance but is not a substitute for in-person evaluation when needed. If you have severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.