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

Audience: pediatric

If your child may have strep throat, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand next steps. Strep throat is a common infection caused by bacteria that often leads to sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing. During a video visit, the provider will ask about your child's symptoms and look for signs of infection. While a video visit can guide you on whether your child needs testing or treatment, it cannot replace a physical exam or lab tests that may be needed to confirm strep throat. Preparing for the visit by gathering information about symptoms and having a quiet space with good lighting will help the provider assess your child's condition. If your child has trouble breathing, severe pain, or is very sleepy, seek emergency care immediately. This guide helps you prepare for a video visit about suspected strep throat in children and explains what telemedicine can and cannot do.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Drooling or inability to swallow saliva — go to emergency services.
• High fever that does not improve with medication — contact emergency services or your provider urgently.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of symptoms and history.
• Visual inspection of throat and general appearance.
• Guidance on whether testing or in-person care is needed.
• Advice on symptom management and home care.
• Education about strep throat and infection prevention.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a throat swab test to confirm diagnosis.
• Prescribing antibiotics without appropriate evaluation.
• Managing severe complications or emergencies.
• Physical examination beyond visual inspection.
• Laboratory testing or imaging studies.

What is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is an infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. It often causes a sudden sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, and swollen glands in the neck. It is common in children and can spread easily from person to person. Early treatment usually helps children feel better faster and prevents complications.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit allows a healthcare provider to talk with you about your child's symptoms and see their throat and general appearance. The provider can decide if your child likely needs a throat test or if home care is enough. Telemedicine can guide you on when to seek in-person care and how to manage symptoms safely at home.

What to Prepare Before the Video Visit

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When to Seek Emergency Care

If your child has any of these signs, get emergency medical care immediately:

These symptoms may indicate a serious problem that needs urgent evaluation.

After the Video Visit

Follow the healthcare provider's advice carefully. This may include:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your child's symptoms and when they started.
• Note any recent contact with someone diagnosed with strep throat.
• Ensure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) has a working camera and microphone.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the video visit.
• Have a flashlight or a bright light source to help show your child's throat.
• Prepare a list of any medications or allergies your child has.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully.
• If prescribed, complete the full course of antibiotics.
• Use recommended fever and pain medications as directed.
• Keep your child home from school or daycare until they are no longer contagious.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and seek care if they worsen.
• Schedule an in-person visit if testing or further evaluation is advised.

FAQs

Can strep throat be diagnosed through a video visit?

A video visit allows the healthcare provider to assess symptoms and see your child's throat, but it cannot confirm strep throat without a throat swab test. The provider may recommend an in-person visit for testing if needed.

What should I do if my child has a sore throat but no fever?

Many sore throats are caused by viruses and get better without antibiotics. If your child has no fever and is otherwise well, the provider may suggest home care and monitoring during the video visit.

How can I help my child feel better at home?

You can help by giving plenty of fluids, encouraging rest, using fever-reducing medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed, and keeping their throat moist with warm drinks or lozenges if age-appropriate.

When should I seek emergency care for my child?

Seek emergency care if your child has difficulty breathing, drooling, severe throat pain, high fever that does not improve, or extreme sleepiness. These signs require immediate medical attention.

Is it safe to use telemedicine for my child's sore throat?

Telemedicine is a helpful first step to evaluate your child's symptoms and decide if in-person care is needed. However, it does not replace physical exams or tests that may be necessary.

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. Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) — Mayo Clinic.
4. Strep Throat: Diagnosis and Treatment — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek immediate medical attention.