Earaches, fevers, and flus: when should you use telehealth for your child?

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate. Please note: Hola Health does not currently offer Mental Health Care Plans.

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Overview

It’s natural for parents to be concerned when their children encounter symptoms such as earaches, fevers, or the flu. Fortunately, telehealth  provides a handy and effective option to consult with a doctor online, saving time and determining whether an in-person visit is required. Let’s look at the possible causes of common childhood illnesses, how long you should wait before getting treatment, and when you should contact a telehealth provider. With the correct assistance, you can ensure your kid receives the care they require swiftly and safely. 

Do I need an appointment for a telehealth visit?

In most circumstances, you will need to book a telehealth appointment. However, some telehealth services enable “on-demand” visits, which allow you to contact a healthcare provider without making an appointment. These on-demand visits are useful for times when you require rapid advice, such as a minor illness, injury, or prescription refill. Scheduling a telehealth appointment in advance ensures that you have devoted time with the provider to discuss your symptoms in detail. Telehealth visits provide flexibility, whether scheduled or on-demand, saving time and decreasing the need for in-person appointments. 

Earache in children

Potential causes

Earaches are a frequent ailment among youngsters and can be caused by several circumstances. These can include infections as well as environmental causes such as water or strange objects in the ear. The most common causes of earaches in children are middle ear infections (otitis media), outer ear infections (swimmer’s ear), and sinus infections. Other possible causes include changes in air pressure, teething, or an accumulation of earwax. An earache may also be a sign of a cold, allergies, or a throat infection. Occasionally, an earache could signal a condition, such as a ruptured eardrum, requiring immediate attention.  

How long should I wait to go to the doctor for an earache?

In most cases, earache goes away on its own in a few days and can be managed conservatively with a warm compress and over-the-counter pain relief. Nevertheless, it’s critical to keep an eye on the symptoms. It is advisable to seek medical assistance if the earache lasts more than 48 hours or if it is accompanied by extreme discomfort, fluid pouring from the ear, or fever. If your child’s earache is interfering with their ability to eat, sleep, or play, you should also see a doctor. Contacting a doctor is crucial if your child is younger than six months old or if the earache is accompanied by hearing loss or balance issues. 

When to consult an online doctor?

If your child has mild ear pain that is not severe or is accompanied by a fever, you might want to think about seeing an online doctor. If you’re not sure whether you need to see a doctor right away for your earache, virtual consultations can be quite helpful. A telehealth doctor can evaluate the symptoms, provide pain management guidance, and decide whether an antibiotic prescription or other therapies are required. Additionally, it’s critical to get medical help right once your child’s earache is caused by recent trauma or an ear injury. In any event, if your symptoms intensify or you’re worried, you can always call the doctor. Telehealth is a great starting point, but the doctor may advise a physical examination if needed. 

Fever in children

Potential causes

Children’s fever is a frequent symptom that typically indicates the body is battling an infection. Fever may be brought on by bacterial infections like strep throat or ear infections, viral infections like the flu or COVID-19, or even an infant’s teething. As the body reacts to the vaccine, vaccinations might sometimes result in a minor fever. Inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, and heat exhaustion are less frequent causes. Fever is generally not harmful unless it is extremely high or persistent, though it can be upsetting. 

How long should I wait to go to the doctor for a fever?

Fever is typically the body’s normal reaction to an infection and is treatable at home. However, if your child is younger than three months and has a fever of 38°C or higher, or if your child is older than three months but has a fever that lasts longer than three days, you should consult a doctor immediately. Additionally, if your child appears unusually sleepy or irritable, or if the fever is followed by symptoms like a severe headache, rash, or difficulty breathing, you should also consult a doctor. Seeking medical assistance as soon as possible is crucial if your child is younger than two years old or has a pre-existing illness, or the fever causes dehydration.

When to consult a telehealth doctor?

If your child has a low-grade fever and you’re unsure if you need to take them to the doctor, telehealth consultations may be a smart choice. A telehealth doctor can evaluate your child’s symptoms, offer advise on how to treat the fever, and decide if an in-person visit is necessary. A video consultation can provide comfort and guidance on what to do if your child has a low-grade fever but is still conscious, drinking fluids, and not exhibiting any symptoms of a serious disease. You should visit a doctor right away, though, if the fever doesn’t go away or if it’s accompanied by more severe symptoms like a febrile seizure, a rash, breathing problems, or dehydration.

Flu in children

 Potential causes

The influenza virus, which causes the flu in children, is extremely contagious. When an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks, droplets are released into the air. Additionally, children can get the flu by touching their mouth, nose, or eyes after contacting contaminated surfaces. Seasonal flu outbreaks are a common source of flu in kids, but they can also spread in places where kids hang out, such as daycare centres or schools. Children who have the flu frequently experience fever, chills, exhaustion, headaches, muscle pains, and coughing. From moderate to severe, the flu can sometimes cause complications like ear infections or pneumonia, particularly in young children, those with compromised immune systems, or people with long-term medical disorders. Annual flu vaccinations significantly reduce the risk of severe illness.  

How long should I wait to go to the doctor for flu?

It is crucial to keep a tight eye on your child’s health if they exhibit flu-like symptoms. With rest and supportive care, the majority of healthy children’s flu symptoms go away in a week to ten days. However, if your child suffers from any of the following, you should speak with a doctor: 

• Severe cough or difficulty breathing. 
• High fever that lasts more than 3 days. 
• Rash, neck stiffness or sensitivity to light 
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea. 
• Signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, little or no urine, or excessive drowsiness. 
• Rapid worsening of symptoms or if your child’s condition is not improving after 5 days. 

When to consult a telehealth GP?

If your child shows signs of flu, a telehealth appointment with a doctor can be an effective way to determine if an in-person visit or a prescription (such as antiviral medications) is necessary. It’s especially helpful for managing mild flu symptoms or if you’re uncertain about the need for antiviral treatment. Consider consulting a telehealth physician if your child: 

• Exhibits mild flu symptoms but you’re not sure if home care is adequate or if further advice is needed.   
• Has a high-risk condition such as asthma, or a compromised immune system, and you wish to confirm if they require immediate attention.   
• Displays severe symptoms like trouble breathing, constant pain, or a fever that lasts too long.   
• Telehealth doctors can assist you in handling flu symptoms, inform you when to seek urgent medical attention and prescribe antiviral medications if appropriate. 

Telehealth is an excellent resource for parents, offering immediate access to healthcare professionals for issues such as earaches, fevers, and the flu. If you’re unclear whether your child requires an in-person visit, a video consultation can assist in assessing symptoms and provide guidance on future measures. Understanding when to use telehealth and when to seek additional medical attention allows you to make informed decisions about keeping your child healthy and comfortable. Do not hesitate to take advantage of telehealth’s convenience and accessibility.