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

Audience: pediatric

If your child has a suspected case of strep throat, a telemedicine visit can help start the care process quickly and safely. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about symptoms and may guide you on whether your child needs testing or treatment. After the visit, you will usually receive advice on how to manage symptoms at home and whether antibiotics are needed. It is important to follow all instructions carefully to help your child recover and prevent spreading the infection to others. Keep an eye out for warning signs that need urgent care. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool but sometimes in-person visits or tests are necessary to ensure the best care for your child.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has trouble breathing or noisy breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child cannot swallow any fluids or is drooling excessively — get urgent medical help.
• High fever (above 39°C or 102°F) that does not improve with medication or lasts more than 48 hours — contact healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Guidance on symptom management and when to seek further care.
• Prescribing antibiotics if clinically appropriate and safe to do so.
• Providing education on infection prevention and medication use.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical throat examination or rapid strep test remotely.
• Diagnosing complications that require physical assessment or imaging.
• Managing severe symptoms needing emergency intervention.
• Administering or supervising throat swab tests or other diagnostic procedures.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

During the telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, such as sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing, or swollen glands. They may also ask about recent exposures to others with strep throat. Because a physical exam is limited, the provider might decide if your child needs a throat swab test to confirm strep throat. Sometimes, they may recommend an in-person visit for testing or treatment.

After the Visit: Treatment and Care Instructions

If the provider suspects strep throat, they may prescribe antibiotics to help your child recover faster and reduce the risk of complications. You will receive instructions on how to give the medicine and how long to continue it. If antibiotics are not needed, the provider will guide you on symptom relief, such as using pain relievers and keeping your child hydrated and rested.

Monitoring Your Child's Symptoms

After the telemedicine visit, watch your child closely. Most children start to feel better within a few days of starting treatment. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear, contact your healthcare provider. Keep your child home from school or daycare until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and are feeling better to prevent spreading the infection.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Some signs mean your child needs urgent medical attention. These include difficulty breathing, drooling, severe throat pain that prevents swallowing any liquids, high fever that does not improve, or a rash. If you notice these, seek emergency care right away.

Preventing Spread of Infection

To help stop the spread of strep throat, encourage your child to wash their hands often, avoid sharing utensils or cups, and cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing. Clean commonly touched surfaces regularly. These steps protect your family and others.

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 describe any recent exposure to someone with strep throat or similar infections.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit area for the telemedicine visit to allow clear communication.
• Have a list of your child's current medications and allergies available.
• Be ready to show your child's throat or any visible symptoms on video if requested.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions on medication use carefully.
• Keep your child hydrated and rested during recovery.
• Monitor symptoms daily and note any changes or worsening.
• Keep your child away from school or group settings until cleared by the provider.
• Practice good hand hygiene and clean shared surfaces to prevent spread.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if symptoms do not improve or worsen.

FAQs

Can strep throat be diagnosed through a telemedicine visit?

A healthcare provider can assess symptoms during a telemedicine visit and decide if your child likely has strep throat. However, a throat swab test, which usually requires an in-person visit, is often needed to confirm the diagnosis.

How soon will my child feel better after starting antibiotics?

Most children begin to feel better within 24 to 48 hours after starting antibiotics. It's important to complete the full course even if symptoms improve to prevent complications and resistance.

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

If your child’s symptoms worsen or new concerning signs appear, contact your healthcare provider promptly. They may recommend an in-person evaluation or emergency care depending on the situation.

Is it safe to give my child over-the-counter pain relievers with antibiotics?

Yes, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are often safe and can help reduce throat pain and fever. Always follow dosing instructions and check with your provider if unsure.

How can I prevent my child from spreading strep throat to others?

Encourage frequent hand washing, avoid sharing utensils or cups, cover coughs and sneezes, and keep your child home from school or daycare until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and feel better.

Sources

1. Strep Throat — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / NIH.
2. Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Disease — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Strep Throat: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Pharyngitis (Sore Throat) in Children — 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.