He tells you that he has had a cold for 3 days, cough, sore throat – the full program. It just does not get any better and now he feels somewhat feverish lately.

What should you inquire with fever before you “discharge” someone like this work colleague from the medical room?

1. Nothing. The case is clear. He just has the flu, which is not bad. He can continue to work from me.

No. Also, a “flu” you should not underestimate. The cause of the fever could be something serious. For example, an exotic fever or a tick bite or an infection with a “more aggressive” germ that attacks the brain membranes. In these cases, a patient would have further clues that you could ask if he does not already indicate them to you by himself.

Try again…

2. I should definitely ask if he was recently abroad, more specifically in a tropical area.

Correct!

It could also be a so-called exotic fever and should be checked by a doctor. It could also be an infection after a tick bite or an infection by a germ, which attacks the brain membranes behind it.

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