How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Sore Throat

Audience: pediatric

A sore throat is a common symptom in children that can be caused by infections or other conditions. Telemedicine can be a helpful way to get advice from a healthcare provider without leaving home. To prepare for your child's telemedicine visit, gather information about symptoms, such as when they started, severity, and any other health changes. During the visit, the provider may ask questions and guide you on care steps or whether an in-person exam is needed. Telemedicine works well for mild to moderate sore throats but cannot replace urgent care if your child has trouble breathing or severe symptoms. Knowing when to seek emergency care is important for your child's safety.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing or noisy breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child cannot swallow saliva or is drooling excessively — get urgent medical attention.
• High fever (above 39°C or 102°F) lasting more than 48 hours or not responding to fever reducers — see a healthcare provider in person.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild to moderate sore throat symptoms
• Providing advice on symptom relief
• Guidance on medication use and monitoring
• Determining need for in-person care

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe breathing difficulties
• Drooling or inability to swallow liquids
• Severe pain or swelling in the throat
• High fever not responding to treatment
• Signs of serious infection or complications

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, such as how long the sore throat has lasted, if there is fever, cough, or difficulty swallowing. They may request to see your child's throat via the camera if possible. Based on this, they will suggest treatment or if an in-person visit is needed.

When Telemedicine is Appropriate for Sore Throat

Telemedicine is often suitable for mild sore throats without severe symptoms. It can help with advice on symptom relief, when to use medications, and monitoring. This approach reduces exposure to others and saves travel time.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has difficulty breathing, drooling, severe pain, inability to swallow liquids, or a high fever that does not improve, an in-person visit or emergency care is necessary. Also, if symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days, see a healthcare provider in person.

How to Prepare for the Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, have your child's medical history ready, note all symptoms and their start times, prepare a quiet space with good lighting, and test your device's camera and microphone. Have a list of current medications available.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the provider's instructions carefully. This may include giving medications, monitoring symptoms, or scheduling follow-up care. If symptoms worsen or new concerns arise, seek in-person care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down when the sore throat started and any other symptoms (fever, cough, rash).
• Prepare a list of any medications your child is taking.
• Ensure your device has a working camera and microphone.
• Find a quiet, well-lit area for the visit.
• Have a flashlight or phone light ready to help show your child's throat if asked.
• Be ready to describe your child's general health and any allergies.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions for medications or home care.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely for improvement or worsening.
• Keep your child hydrated and rested.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Seek emergency care if any red flag symptoms appear.

FAQs

Can a doctor diagnose the cause of a sore throat over telemedicine?

A healthcare provider can often assess symptoms and suggest likely causes during a telemedicine visit, but they may not be able to perform tests like throat swabs remotely. Sometimes an in-person visit is needed for a definitive diagnosis.

What should I do if my child’s sore throat gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your child's symptoms worsen, especially if they develop difficulty breathing, drooling, or high fever, seek in-person medical care immediately. Contact your healthcare provider for advice if symptoms change.

Is it safe to give my child over-the-counter medicine for sore throat before the telemedicine visit?

Yes, you can usually give age-appropriate over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help with pain and fever. Inform the healthcare provider about any medications given during the visit.

How long does it usually take for a sore throat to get better?

Most sore throats caused by viral infections improve within 3 to 7 days. If symptoms last longer or worsen, consult a healthcare provider.

Can telemedicine visits replace all in-person visits for sore throat?

Telemedicine is helpful for many cases but cannot replace in-person visits when physical examination, testing, or urgent care is needed.

Sources

1. Sore Throat — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Pharyngitis (Sore Throat) in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Sore Throat: When to See a Doctor — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Sore Throat — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.