Sick Visits

Children always seem to get sick at the most inconvenient times. Being able to find care for your child can be stressful. At VirtualMed Iowa, our providers empathize with this situation and hope to be the most convenient option for your family while providing quality care. Instead of packing your car, rearranging your schedule, or driving through the blizzard, just sit on your couch and schedule online for the next available appointment. We will promptly see your child and get them the care they need without adding further burden to your day. To help your child feel better, call the Iowa-based office to arrange a telehealth sick visit or use the online form to book an appointment today.

What are children’s sick visits?

Children often get illnesses like colds and sore throats, especially when in school or daycare settings. These minor ailments usually resolve themselves in a few days with rest and care.

However, there may be times when you need clearance to return to school or daycare, or maybe symptoms are improving as you expected, and you need further advice.

There may be circumstances that are not appropriate for a virtual visit. This could include an infant with fever, any child with signs of respiratory distress, severe pain, or signs of dehydration. If you have questions regarding the ability to be evaluated virtually, please call first.

For emergencies such as severe pain, respiratory distress, unresponsive, or serious injury, please call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

What conditions most often require sick visits?

Conditions that Rachel sees most often in children include:

• Upper respiratory infections like colds and flu
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• Rashes
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Constipation
• Infected toenail
• Bug bites
• Minor burns

Rachel looks at your child’s medical history and talks about the symptoms they’re experiencing. You can show her any visible symptoms like rashes using your device’s camera.

Your child might need further tests depending on what Rachel finds. These tests could range from a throat swab or blood workup to a urine test or diagnostic imaging procedure like an X-ray or ultrasound scan.

What treatments are available at sick visits?

The treatment Rachel recommends at your child’s sick visit varies according to their diagnosis, age, and factors like whether they have any other health conditions. In most cases, a few days’ rest, drinking lots of water, and eating nutritious food should be all the treatment your child needs.

Most viral infections like colds don’t require medications other than over-the-counter symptom relief. A severe bacterial infection, for example, strep throat or a UTI (urinary tract infection), could benefit from antibiotics, but these drugs have no effect on viruses.

Your child may need drops for their ears or eyes, cream for their skin, and certain prescription medications according to the nature of their condition. Rachel can complete an electronic prescription for medications your child needs that you can collect from your preferred pharmacy.

If you’re worried about your child’s health, call VirtualMed Iowa and ask for a telehealth sick visit, or book one online today.