What are the differential diagnoses?

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Last updated: May 19, 2025 • View editorial policy

Differential Diagnoses

Since the question does not provide specific symptoms or patient information, I will create a general differential diagnosis list for a hypothetical patient presenting with non-specific symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue.

  • Single Most Likely Diagnosis + Viral upper respiratory infection: This is a common and likely diagnosis given the non-specific symptoms, as many viral infections present with similar symptoms.
  • Other Likely Diagnoses + Bacterial sinusitis: This could be a likely diagnosis if the patient has facial pain, nasal congestion, and purulent discharge, in addition to the non-specific symptoms. + Influenza: If the patient has a high fever, cough, and body aches, influenza could be a likely diagnosis, especially during flu season. + Mononucleosis: This could be a likely diagnosis if the patient has a sore throat, fatigue, and lymphadenopathy, especially in young adults.
  • Do Not Miss Diagnoses + Meningitis: Although less likely, meningitis is a potentially deadly diagnosis that must be considered, especially if the patient has a severe headache, stiff neck, and fever. + Encephalitis: This is another potentially deadly diagnosis that must be considered, especially if the patient has a severe headache, fever, and altered mental status. + Sepsis: If the patient has a high fever, tachycardia, and hypotension, sepsis could be a life-threatening diagnosis that must not be missed.
  • Rare Diagnoses + Lyme disease: Although rare, Lyme disease could be a diagnosis to consider if the patient has a history of tick exposure and presents with fever, headache, and fatigue. + Brucellosis: This is a rare diagnosis that could be considered if the patient has a history of exposure to infected animals or contaminated animal products and presents with fever, headache, and fatigue. + Histoplasmosis: This is a rare fungal infection that could be considered if the patient has a history of exposure to contaminated soil or bird droppings and presents with fever, headache, and fatigue.

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.