Tele-triage for Fever in Infant - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Fever in infants can be a sign of many different health issues, some of which require urgent care. Tele-triage helps parents and caregivers decide when to seek immediate medical attention and when a remote consultation is appropriate. This guide explains how telemedicine can assist in evaluating an infant's fever, what signs to watch for, and when in-person care is necessary. It also provides practical steps to prepare for a telemedicine visit and what to expect afterward. Remember, while tele-triage is a useful tool, it does not replace the need for face-to-face medical evaluation when serious symptoms are present.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Infant younger than 3 months with a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher — seek immediate medical care.
• Difficulty breathing, including fast or labored breathing — call emergency services.
• Lethargy, unresponsiveness, or seizures — emergency care is needed immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild fever without other severe symptoms.
• Guidance on home care and symptom monitoring.
• Advice on when to seek in-person medical evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or unresponsiveness.
• Physical examination requiring hands-on assessment.
• Laboratory testing or imaging diagnostics.

Understanding Fever in Infants

Fever is a common symptom in infants and usually indicates the body is fighting an infection. In infants younger than 3 months, even a slight fever can be serious. For older infants, fever may be less urgent but still requires careful observation. Fever is typically defined as a body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher. Causes can range from mild viral infections to more serious bacterial illnesses.

When to Use Tele-triage for Infant Fever

Tele-triage can help assess the infant's symptoms and guide caregivers on next steps. It is appropriate when the infant has a mild fever without other concerning signs, the caregiver can provide accurate information, and the infant is feeding and behaving normally. Tele-triage can provide advice on home care and monitoring, reducing unnecessary clinic visits.

Signs That Require Immediate In-Person Care

Certain symptoms alongside fever require urgent medical attention. These include:

If any of these signs are present, seek emergency care immediately.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To make the most of a telemedicine visit:

What to Expect After the Tele-visit

After the telemedicine consultation, you may receive:

Continue to monitor the infant closely and follow the provider's guidance.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure a stable internet connection and a device with video capability.
• Take the infant's temperature accurately using a reliable thermometer.
• Observe and note any additional symptoms such as feeding changes, activity level, or breathing difficulties.
• Have the infant's medical history and current medications ready to share.
• Prepare a quiet, well-lit environment for the consultation.
• Write down any questions or concerns to discuss with the healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions for home care and monitoring.
• Keep a close watch on the infant's symptoms and temperature.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments or in-person visits.
• Seek immediate medical attention if red flag symptoms develop.
• Keep a record of the telemedicine visit notes and advice given.

FAQs

Can I use telemedicine to diagnose the cause of my infant's fever?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide you on next steps, but it cannot definitively diagnose the cause of a fever without a physical exam and possibly tests. If your infant has concerning symptoms, an in-person evaluation is necessary.

When should I take my infant with a fever to the emergency room?

Seek emergency care if your infant is younger than 3 months with a fever, has difficulty breathing, is unresponsive or lethargic, has seizures, persistent vomiting, or a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed.

How can I accurately measure my infant's temperature at home?

Use a digital thermometer designed for infants, such as a rectal thermometer for the most accurate reading. Follow the device instructions carefully. Avoid using mercury thermometers.

Is it safe to give my infant fever-reducing medication before a telemedicine visit?

You may give age-appropriate fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen according to dosing guidelines, but inform the healthcare provider during the tele-visit about any medications given.

What information should I have ready for a telemedicine consultation about my infant's fever?

Have the infant’s temperature readings, duration of fever, any other symptoms, feeding and activity patterns, medical history, and any medications or treatments already given.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is intended for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your infant shows any severe or concerning symptoms, seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare professional.