Red flags & when to go in person for Strep Throat (Suspected)

Audience: adult

Strep throat is a common infection that causes a sore, scratchy throat and is often caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus. Many people with suspected strep throat can start care through telemedicine, where a healthcare provider evaluates symptoms remotely. However, some signs suggest that in-person care is needed to properly diagnose and treat the infection. These include difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms that worsen or do not improve with initial treatment. Recognizing these red flags helps ensure timely care and prevents complications. Telemedicine can guide you on when to seek urgent in-person evaluation or emergency care. This page provides clear guidance on warning signs, what telemedicine can and cannot do for suspected strep throat, and how to prepare for and follow up after a telemedicine visit. It is important to remember that telemedicine advice does not replace a physical exam when serious symptoms are present.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Severe throat pain with difficulty swallowing saliva — get urgent in-person evaluation.
• High fever (above 39°C/102°F) not improving with home care — see a healthcare provider soon.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Providing guidance on symptom management and home care.
• Determining need for testing or antibiotics based on symptoms.
• Advising when to seek in-person or emergency care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing throat swab tests or physical throat examination.
• Diagnosing complications such as abscess or airway obstruction.
• Managing severe symptoms requiring emergency intervention.
• Administering medications or treatments in person.

What is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is an infection caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus. It usually causes a sore, red throat, often with pain when swallowing. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and white patches on the tonsils. It is common worldwide and often spreads through close contact or respiratory droplets.

When to Use Telemedicine for Suspected Strep Throat

Telemedicine can help evaluate symptoms like sore throat, mild fever, and general discomfort. A healthcare provider can ask about your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors to decide if testing or treatment is needed. Telemedicine is convenient for mild cases without severe symptoms or complications.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care

You should seek in-person medical care if you experience:

These signs may indicate complications requiring urgent evaluation.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do

**Can handle:**

**Cannot handle:**

If red flags are present, an in-person visit is important.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your telemedicine visit:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

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

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Measure and note your current temperature.
• List your symptoms and when they began.
• Note any difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a list of questions or concerns ready to discuss.

After your tele-visit

• Follow all medication instructions carefully.
• Rest and stay hydrated.
• Monitor symptoms daily for improvement or worsening.
• Seek in-person care if red flags develop or symptoms worsen.
• Schedule follow-up care if advised by your provider.

FAQs

Can strep throat be diagnosed through telemedicine?

Telemedicine providers can assess your symptoms and decide if you likely have strep throat, but a throat swab test is usually needed for a definite diagnosis, which requires an in-person visit.

What home care can help ease strep throat symptoms?

Rest, drink plenty of fluids, use throat lozenges or warm saltwater gargles, and take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed.

When should I go to the emergency room for a sore throat?

Go to the emergency room if you have difficulty breathing, severe throat pain preventing swallowing, drooling, swelling of the neck or face, or a high fever that does not improve.

Are antibiotics always needed for strep throat?

Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat strep throat caused by bacteria to prevent complications, but your healthcare provider will decide if they are necessary based on your symptoms and testing.

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation and care. If you experience any red flags or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.