Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Body Aches in Children

Audience: pediatric

Body aches are common in children and can result from many causes, including viral infections, mild injuries, or growing pains. Often, these aches improve with rest and home care. Telemedicine can help assess symptoms, provide advice, and guide families on managing mild body aches safely. However, some signs may indicate a more serious condition that requires in-person evaluation. Knowing when to seek urgent care is important to keep your child safe. This guide explains the red flags to watch for, what telemedicine can handle, and when to visit a healthcare facility in person.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• High fever lasting more than 3 days or above 39°C (102°F) requires urgent in-person evaluation.
• Severe pain limiting movement or daily activities needs immediate medical attention.
• Difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration warrant emergency care.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild body aches without severe symptoms.
• Providing advice on symptom management and home care.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person medical evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Evaluation of severe pain or high fever with other concerning symptoms.
• Diagnosis and treatment of emergency conditions such as breathing difficulties or severe dehydration.
• Physical examination requiring hands-on assessment or urgent interventions.

Common Causes of Body Aches in Children

Body aches in children often happen due to viral infections like the flu or common cold. Other causes include muscle strain from play, minor injuries, or growing pains. These aches usually improve with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relief. Monitoring your child's overall condition helps determine if further care is needed.

When to Use Telemedicine for Body Aches

Telemedicine can be a helpful first step to discuss your child's symptoms with a healthcare provider. It allows for quick assessment, advice on symptom management, and guidance on when to seek in-person care. Telemedicine is suitable for mild aches without severe symptoms or concerning signs.

Red Flags Indicating Need for In-Person Care

Certain symptoms with body aches require prompt in-person evaluation:

If any of these occur, seek emergency or urgent care immediately.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your telemedicine appointment, have the following ready:

Aftercare Following Telemedicine Consultation

After your telemedicine visit, follow the provider's advice carefully. This may include:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the start time and progression of your child's body aches.
• Measure and record your child's temperature.
• List any other symptoms your child is experiencing.
• Prepare a list of current medications or treatments given to your child.
• Ensure a quiet space with good internet for the telemedicine visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's recommendations for medications and care.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely for any worsening or new red flags.
• Keep your child well hydrated and rested.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms do not improve or if red flags appear.
• Contact emergency services if severe symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my child's body aches?

Telemedicine providers can assess symptoms and suggest possible causes, but some conditions require physical examination or tests only available in person. Telemedicine is useful for initial evaluation and guidance.

When should I take my child to the emergency room for body aches?

Seek emergency care if your child has difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent vomiting, severe pain preventing movement, high fever over 39°C (102°F) lasting more than 3 days, or signs of dehydration.

Are over-the-counter pain relievers safe for children with body aches?

Many over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are generally safe when used as directed for children. Always follow dosing instructions and consult a healthcare provider if unsure.

Can telemedicine help if my child has a rash along with body aches?

Telemedicine can help assess rashes but if the rash is unusual, spreading rapidly, or accompanied by fever and other severe symptoms, in-person evaluation is recommended.

How can I comfort my child with body aches at home?

Ensure your child rests, stays hydrated, and uses age-appropriate pain relief if needed. Gentle massage or warm baths may help, but avoid strenuous activities until symptoms improve.

Sources

1. Body Aches and Pain in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. When to Seek Medical Care for Fever in Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Common Childhood Illnesses: Symptoms and Treatment — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms, worsening condition, or any red flags, seek immediate in-person evaluation from a healthcare professional.