How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Fever in Infant - Triage

Audience: adult

If your infant has a fever, a telemedicine visit can help you understand the next steps and decide if in-person care is needed. Fever in infants can be caused by many things, from mild infections to more serious conditions. During a telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your baby's symptoms, age, and medical history. They may guide you on how to check your baby's temperature and observe other signs. Telemedicine is useful for initial advice and triage, but some situations require urgent in-person evaluation. Preparing well for the visit will help the provider give the best guidance for your infant's health.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Infant younger than 2 months with any fever - seek emergency care immediately.
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing - call emergency services.
• Seizures or convulsions - seek urgent medical attention immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of fever and related symptoms in infants.
• Guidance on home care and monitoring for mild symptoms.
• Advice on when to seek in-person or emergency care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations such as seizures, difficulty breathing, or unresponsiveness.
• Physical examination requiring hands-on assessment or diagnostic tests.
• Administering treatments or procedures that require in-person care.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

The healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your infant's fever, including how high the temperature is, how long it has lasted, and any other symptoms like feeding problems, irritability, or rash. They may ask you to show your baby on camera to observe their appearance and behavior. You might be guided to take your baby's temperature accurately if you haven't already. Based on this information, the provider will advise whether your baby can be cared for at home or needs urgent in-person care.

When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care

Certain signs mean your infant needs urgent evaluation, such as difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, seizures, unresponsiveness, or a fever in a baby younger than 2 months old. If your baby shows any of these signs, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Telemedicine is not a replacement for emergency care in these situations.

How to Prepare for the Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, have a reliable way to measure your baby's temperature (digital thermometer preferred). Write down the exact temperature readings and the times they were taken. Note any other symptoms your baby has, such as feeding changes, sleepiness, or unusual behavior. Make sure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is charged and has a good internet connection. Have a quiet, well-lit space ready for the visit.

After the Telemedicine Visit: What to Do Next

Follow the provider's instructions carefully. This may include giving fever-reducing medication, monitoring your baby's symptoms, or scheduling an in-person visit. Keep a close watch on your infant and seek immediate care if new red flags appear. If symptoms improve, continue to care for your baby at home and keep follow-up appointments if advised.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a digital thermometer ready and know how to use it.
• Record your infant's temperature readings with times.
• Note any additional symptoms or changes in behavior.
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to the internet.
• Find a quiet, well-lit area for the telemedicine visit.
• Have your infant close by and ready for the video call.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully.
• Administer any recommended medications as directed.
• Monitor your infant’s symptoms closely for any changes.
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms develop.
• Schedule follow-up visits if advised by the provider.

FAQs

Can I use telemedicine for any infant fever?

Telemedicine can be helpful for assessing many cases of infant fever, especially to guide you on next steps. However, infants younger than 2 months with a fever usually need urgent in-person evaluation.

How do I take my baby's temperature accurately at home?

Use a digital thermometer, preferably rectal for infants under 3 months, as it is the most accurate. Clean the thermometer before and after use. Follow the device instructions carefully.

What should I do if my baby has a fever and is not feeding well?

Poor feeding can be a sign of illness. During your telemedicine visit, inform the provider about feeding difficulties. If your baby refuses all feeds or shows signs of dehydration, seek in-person care promptly.

Is it safe to give fever-reducing medicine before the telemedicine visit?

You can give age-appropriate fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as per dosing instructions unless advised otherwise. Inform the provider about any medications given during the visit.

Sources

1. Fever in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Managing Fever in Infants and Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Fever in Infants and Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Fever in Infants and Children: When to Seek Medical Care — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your infant shows any emergency signs or if you are concerned about their health, seek immediate medical attention.