Lakeith, a 35-year-old black man living in New York State, presents with a fever of 101 degrees F. He is concerned he might have contracted Covid-19. Based upon a true story, this case study highlights the need to be aware of life-threatening diseases that can masquerade as Covid-19. Specialties Critical Case Study
Updated:
Fever of 101o F, fatigue and lethargy, stiff neck and jaw, chills and sweating with fever, muscle aches and pains with fever. "I feel like I have the flu. I'm worried I might have Covid-19.”
Lakeith awoke on Saturday morning feeling exhausted. As the morning progressed, he began to have aches and pains. He took an oral temperature that was 101o F. His first thought was that he had contracted Covid-19. He is a home health physical therapist who specializes in geriatric physical therapy. He sees four to five patients each day. Several of his patients have tested positive for Covid-19. When working with any of his patients, Lakeith wears an N-95 mask and gloves and practices strict hand hygiene.
Before calling his primary care provider, Lakeith went online and took the Mayo Clinic Covid-19 Self-Assessment Tool to see if his symptoms fit with those for Covid-19.
Response | Symptom |
Yes | Fever of 100 F (37.8 C) or above |
Yes | Fever symptoms like alternating chills and sweating |
No | Cough |
No | Trouble breathing, shortness of breath or severe wheezing |
Yes | Chills or repeated shaking with chills |
Yes | Muscle aches |
No | Sore throat |
No | Loss of smell or taste, or a change in taste |
No | Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea |
Yes | Headache |
No | None of the above |
Response | Emergency Symptom |
No | Struggling to breathe or fighting for breath even while inactive or when resting |
No | Feeling about to collapse every time you stand or sit up (floppiness or a lack of response in a child under age 2) |
No | None of the above |
After taking the test, he called his primary care office and the triage nurse directed him to come in for a Covid-19 test.
The patient arrived at clinic for a Covid-19 test wearing a mask, shoulders drooping, eyes heavy-lidded. Speech is slow and measured. While the nurse prepped for the test, she noticed the patient repeatedly attempting to scratch his back.
Uncomplicated appendicitis at age 12
Father, age 56, and mother, age 52 both have HTN and hypercholesterolemia. Thirty-three-year-old sister with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Occasional marijuana use, drinks alcohol 1-2 times weekly. Non-smoker. Lives alone. Patient has a girlfriend of three years. He has been socially isolating since March 15th due to his high-risk job.
Takes Tylenol or ibuprofen for aches and pains. Daily Allegra for seasonal allergies.
NKA
This case study is different from others in that I am letting you know from the start that Lakeith has Lyme disease, Covid-19 or both.
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