Differential Diagnosis for Fever with Joint Pain and Myalgia
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral infections (e.g., influenza, COVID-19): These are common causes of fever, joint pain, and myalgia, often presenting with a sudden onset of symptoms.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bacterial infections (e.g., streptococcal infections, Lyme disease): These can cause fever, joint pain, and myalgia, especially if the infection involves the joints or muscles.
- Autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus): These conditions can cause chronic or recurrent episodes of joint pain and myalgia, often accompanied by fever.
- Osteoarthritis: While not typically associated with fever, osteoarthritis can cause joint pain and myalgia, especially in older adults.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic arthritis: A bacterial infection within a joint, which is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment to prevent joint destruction.
- Endocarditis: An infection of the heart valves, which can cause fever, joint pain, and myalgia, and is life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Meningitis or sepsis: These conditions can present with fever, joint pain, and myalgia, and are medical emergencies requiring immediate attention.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Rheumatic fever: A rare complication of streptococcal infection, which can cause fever, joint pain, and myalgia, as well as cardiac and neurological symptoms.
- Polymyalgia rheumatica: A rare inflammatory condition that causes muscle pain and stiffness, often accompanied by fever and joint pain.
- Hematologic disorders (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma): These conditions can cause fever, joint pain, and myalgia, although they are less common causes of these symptoms.