How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Fever in Infant - Triage

Audience: pediatric

If your infant has a fever, a telemedicine visit can help you understand when to seek care and how to manage symptoms safely. Fever in infants can be caused by many reasons, ranging from mild infections to more serious conditions. Telemedicine allows you to talk with a healthcare provider from home, who can guide you on what to watch for and whether your baby needs to be seen in person. Preparing for the visit by gathering important information about your infant’s symptoms and environment will help the provider give the best advice. Remember, some signs require immediate in-person evaluation. Telemedicine is a helpful first step but does not replace emergency care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Infant younger than 3 months with any fever - seek emergency care immediately.
• Difficulty breathing, fast breathing, or blue/pale skin - call emergency services or go to the emergency department.
• Unresponsiveness, difficulty waking, seizures, or stiff neck - urgent in-person evaluation needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild fever in infants older than 3 months.
• Guidance on monitoring symptoms and home care advice.
• Answering questions about fever management and when to seek care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations such as difficulty breathing or seizures.
• Infants younger than 3 months with any fever.
• Severe dehydration or signs of shock requiring immediate physical examination and treatment.

What Is Fever in Infants?

A fever is when an infant's body temperature is higher than normal, often above 38°C (100.4°F). It is a common sign that the body is fighting an infection. In infants, even a mild fever can feel concerning because their immune systems are still developing. Fever itself is not an illness but a symptom that needs to be understood in context.

When to Use Telemedicine for Infant Fever

Telemedicine can be a good option for initial assessment if your infant has a mild fever without other serious symptoms. It allows you to speak with a healthcare provider who can ask questions about your baby's behavior, feeding, and other symptoms. This can help decide if your infant needs to be seen in person or if home care is appropriate.

Information to Have Ready for the Visit

Before your telemedicine appointment, gather the following information:

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

The healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your infant’s symptoms and overall condition. They may guide you to check your baby's breathing, alertness, and hydration status. Based on your answers, they will advise whether to continue monitoring at home, seek urgent in-person care, or go to an emergency department.

When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care

Certain signs require urgent medical attention and cannot be managed through telemedicine. These include:

If you notice any of these, seek emergency care immediately.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Measure and record your infant’s temperature accurately, noting the method used (e.g., rectal, axillary).
• Note the exact age and weight of your infant.
• List all symptoms your infant is experiencing, including changes in behavior or feeding.
• Prepare information about any medications given and their timing.
• Have a list of any recent exposures to sick individuals.
• Ensure you have a quiet, well-lit area with good internet or phone connection for the visit.
• Have a thermometer and any other monitoring devices ready to show or describe to the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on monitoring and managing fever at home.
• Keep track of any new or worsening symptoms and be ready to seek in-person care if advised.
• Maintain hydration and feeding as recommended.
• Use fever-reducing medications only as directed by the provider.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if recommended.
• Seek emergency care immediately if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can I use telemedicine for any infant fever?

Telemedicine is often suitable for infants older than 3 months with mild fever and no serious symptoms. For infants younger than 3 months or if severe symptoms are present, in-person care is necessary.

How should I measure my infant’s temperature?

The most accurate method for infants is a rectal thermometer. Other methods like axillary (underarm) or temporal artery thermometers may be used but can be less precise. Always follow the device instructions carefully.

What should I do if my infant’s fever does not go down?

If the fever persists for more than 24 hours in infants under 2 years, or if your infant appears very ill, contact a healthcare provider promptly. Persistent fever may require further evaluation.

Can I give my infant medicine to reduce fever before the telemedicine visit?

You may give age-appropriate fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if recommended by your healthcare provider. Note the time and dose given to inform the telemedicine provider.

What signs mean I should go to the emergency room immediately?

Signs such as difficulty breathing, blue or pale skin, seizures, unresponsiveness, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration require immediate emergency care.

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 Young Children — Mayo Clinic.

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