How to prepare for a video visit about Tick Bite - Triage

Audience: pediatric

If your child has been bitten by a tick, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help decide the next steps. During the visit, the provider will ask about the bite, check for symptoms, and guide you on care. It's important to prepare by gathering information about when and where the tick bite happened, any symptoms your child has, and photos of the bite if possible. Most tick bites do not cause serious problems, but some can lead to infections like Lyme disease. Early evaluation helps ensure your child gets the right care. Remember, telemedicine can support early triage but cannot replace in-person exams if your child is very sick or has severe symptoms. This guide will help you get ready for your video visit and understand what to expect.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• High fever (above 39°C or 102°F) lasting more than 2 days after the tick bite - seek immediate care.
• Development of a spreading rash, especially one that looks like a bull’s-eye - get urgent evaluation.
• Signs of severe illness such as difficulty breathing, confusion, weakness, or neck stiffness - call emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of tick bite and symptoms.
• Guidance on tick removal and care.
• Advice on when to seek in-person care.
• Review of photos of the bite area.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations requiring physical examination or urgent treatment.
• Severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.
• Neurological symptoms needing immediate evaluation.
• Laboratory testing or procedures that require in-person visits.

What to expect during the video visit

The healthcare provider will ask about when and where the tick bite happened, how long the tick was attached, and any symptoms your child has, such as fever, rash, or pain. You may be asked to show the bite area on camera. The provider will help decide if your child needs further tests or treatment or if watchful waiting is appropriate.

How to prepare for the visit

Before the visit, try to remove the tick carefully if it is still attached, using fine-tipped tweezers. Save the tick in a sealed container if possible. Take clear photos of the bite area. Write down any symptoms your child has and when they started. Have your child's medical history and any medications ready to share.

Common symptoms to watch for

Symptoms that may appear after a tick bite include redness or rash near the bite, fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, or swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms can be signs of infection and should be reported during the visit.

When to seek urgent in-person care

If your child has difficulty breathing, severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, weakness, or a spreading rash that looks like a bull’s-eye, seek emergency medical care immediately. These could be signs of serious illness.

Preventing tick bites in the future

Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas, and check your child’s skin for ticks after outdoor activities. Early removal of ticks reduces the risk of infection.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Carefully remove the tick if still attached using fine-tipped tweezers.
• Save the tick in a sealed container if possible for identification.
• Take clear photos of the bite area.
• Write down when and where the tick bite occurred.
• Note any symptoms your child has and when they started.
• Have your child’s medical history and current medications available.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any treatment or monitoring instructions given by the healthcare provider.
• Watch for new or worsening symptoms and report them promptly.
• Keep the bite area clean and dry.
• Schedule follow-up visits if recommended.
• Practice tick bite prevention measures in the future.

FAQs

How long does it take for symptoms from a tick bite to appear?

Symptoms can appear within a few days to a few weeks after a tick bite. Early signs often include redness or rash near the bite, fever, and tiredness. It is important to monitor your child closely after a tick bite.

Should I try to remove the tick before the video visit?

Yes, if the tick is still attached, remove it carefully with fine-tipped tweezers before the visit. Grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward steadily without twisting. Save the tick in a sealed container if you can.

Can all tick bites cause Lyme disease?

Not all tick bites lead to Lyme disease. The risk depends on the type of tick, how long it was attached, and where you live. Your healthcare provider will assess the risk based on your child's situation.

What if I cannot see the tick anymore?

Sometimes ticks fall off after feeding. Even if you cannot find the tick, report the bite and any symptoms to your healthcare provider during the visit.

Is antibiotic treatment always needed after a tick bite?

Antibiotics are not always needed. Treatment depends on symptoms, risk factors, and sometimes test results. Your provider will guide you on the best approach.

Sources

1. Tickborne Diseases of the United States: A Reference Manual for Health Care Providers — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Tick bites and Lyme disease — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Lyme Disease — Mayo Clinic.
4. Tick removal — National Library of Medicine.

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.