What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Strep Throat (Suspected)

Audience: adult

If you have a telemedicine visit for suspected strep throat, your healthcare provider will review your symptoms and may recommend testing or treatment. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that often causes a sore throat, fever, and swollen glands. After your visit, you may receive a prescription for antibiotics if the provider suspects strep throat. You will also get advice on how to care for yourself at home and when to seek further medical help. It is important to follow the treatment plan and watch for any worsening symptoms. Telemedicine can help you get timely guidance, but some situations may require an in-person exam or testing. Always contact your healthcare provider or emergency services if you experience severe symptoms or complications.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever above 39°C (102°F) that does not improve with medication — contact your healthcare provider.
• Severe throat pain with drooling or inability to open your mouth — go to the emergency room.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment for sore throat and related symptoms.
• Providing guidance on symptom management and when to seek further care.
• Prescribing antibiotics if strep throat is suspected based on symptoms and clinical judgment.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a throat swab test to confirm strep throat infection.
• Evaluating severe complications like abscesses or breathing difficulties.
• Emergency care for severe symptoms requiring immediate physical intervention.

What to Expect During Your Telemedicine Visit

During your telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, such as sore throat, fever, headache, or difficulty swallowing. They may also look at your throat using your device's camera if possible. Based on this information, the provider will decide if you likely have strep throat or another condition. Sometimes, they may recommend a throat swab test, which usually requires an in-person visit to confirm the diagnosis.

Possible Treatment After Your Visit

If strep throat is suspected, your provider may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection and reduce symptoms. You should take the full course of antibiotics as directed, even if you start feeling better. Over-the-counter pain relievers and throat lozenges may also be recommended to ease discomfort. Rest and drinking plenty of fluids are important parts of recovery.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Some symptoms or situations require an in-person evaluation. If your symptoms worsen, such as increasing throat pain, difficulty breathing or swallowing, high fever, or if you develop a rash, you should seek urgent medical care. Also, if you cannot keep fluids down or feel very unwell, an in-person visit is necessary.

How to Prevent Spreading Strep Throat

Strep throat is contagious. To protect others, wash your hands often, avoid sharing utensils or cups, and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Stay home from work, school, or social activities until you have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and feel better.

Follow-Up After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your provider may schedule a follow-up to check on your progress or recommend an in-person visit if symptoms do not improve within a few days. If you develop new symptoms or have questions about your treatment, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a list of your symptoms, including when they started and how severe they are.
• Prepare to show your throat using your device's camera if possible.
• Have a list of any medications or allergies ready to share with your provider.
• Make sure your device is charged and connected to a stable internet connection.

After your tele-visit

• Take all prescribed antibiotics as directed, even if you feel better.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce throat pain and fever as advised.
• Rest and drink plenty of fluids to help your body recover.
• Avoid close contact with others until you have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
• Monitor your symptoms and seek in-person care if they worsen or new red flags appear.

FAQs

Can strep throat be diagnosed through a telemedicine visit?

Telemedicine providers can assess your symptoms and decide if strep throat is likely. However, a throat swab test, which confirms the diagnosis, usually requires an in-person visit.

How soon will I feel better after starting antibiotics?

Many people start feeling better within 24 to 48 hours after beginning antibiotics. It is important to finish the entire prescribed course to fully clear the infection.

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

If your symptoms worsen, especially if you have difficulty breathing, swallowing, or develop a high fever, seek urgent in-person medical care immediately.

Is it safe to share antibiotics with others who have similar symptoms?

No, antibiotics should only be taken when prescribed by a healthcare provider for your specific condition. Sharing antibiotics can be unsafe and contribute to antibiotic resistance.

How can I prevent spreading strep throat to others?

Practice good hand hygiene, avoid sharing personal items, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and stay home from work or school until you have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and feel better.

Sources

1. Strep Throat — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
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 — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, please seek immediate medical attention or consult your healthcare provider in person.