Seasonal house call · Autumn
Autumn Cold Wave Berlin
Autumn Cold Wave Berlin is a seasonal health occasion for which RAB Arztbesuche provides a licensed physician on a home visit anywhere in Berlin — daily from 6 am to midnight, usually within 60 to 90 minutes.
As soon as Berlin's heating systems start and children return to daycare and school, the classic cold wave begins. Rhino-, adeno-, parainfluenza-, RSV and corona viruses circulate at once. Anyone with sore throat, cough and fever who cannot or will not go to a practice gets a specialist assessment at home — including differentiation from influenza and bacterial causes.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Autumn in Berlin — start of the respiratory-infection season
Once Berlin's daycare and school children are back in the system after the summer holidays, the seasonal respiratory infection cycle starts. First mostly rhino- and adenoviruses, then RSV, parainfluenza, finally influenza. Falling temperatures, dry heating air and more indoor time favour transmission and symptoms. In families the infection typically passes around.
On a house call we work through the differential: viral cold, influenza, COVID-19, bacterial tonsillitis (strep), pneumonia or bronchitis. We auscultate the lungs, check the tympanic membrane with earache, assess the tonsils and decide on antibiotics. Sick leave and a GOÄ invoice are issued on site.
Strep or virus?
Purulent tonsillitis with fever above 38.5 °C, swollen cervical nodes, exudate on the tonsils and no cough suggests bacterial tonsillitis (Centor score). A rapid strep test is useful and antibiotics are often indicated. With viral pharyngitis, antibiotics do not help and may cause harm.
When hospital is needed
Severe shortness of breath, oxygen saturation below 92 %, persistent high fever over five days, marked exhaustion, deterioration despite therapy, or risk patients with cardiopulmonary comorbidities should be referred. For acute life threat — altered consciousness, severe shortness of breath, chest pain — call 112 immediately.
How the house call works for an autumn cold
You call, describe symptoms, onset and comorbidities. We discuss the approach and agree on a time window — typical arrival 60 to 90 minutes.
On site: history, physical exam (mouth/throat, lymph nodes, lungs, ears), vital signs, rapid strep / influenza / COVID-19 test if needed, treatment plan, prescription, sick leave. GOÄ invoice via the Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle.
Emergency? Dial the emergency number
If unconscious, with severe chest pain, breathlessness or heavy bleeding, dial 112 immediately. Our service complements the emergency services — it does not replace them.
Case profiles
Typical scenarios
Family with sick children
A schoolchild brings the infection home, siblings follow. We come once and treat several family members in the same appointment.
Professional with suspected strep
Sore throat, high fever, no cough. We do the rapid strep test, treat targeted, write sick leave.
Senior with respiratory infection
Older patient with COPD and acute bronchitis. We check lungs and saturation, adjust inhalation, decide on antibiotics.
Hotel guest with fever
International traveller develops fever during a stay. We come to the hotel, test, treat, issue the GOÄ invoice for insurance reimbursement.
Frequently asked questions
When do I need antibiotics for a cold?
Rarely — most colds are viral. Purulent tonsillitis with a positive strep test, bacterial pneumonia, otitis media in children, or significant sinusitis may warrant antibiotics. We decide conservatively.
How long does a cold last?
Usually 7 to 10 days. Cough may persist for two to three weeks after other symptoms resolve — this is mostly normal and not a reason for antibiotics.
Is a COVID rapid test worthwhile?
With symptoms, after risk contacts, or for at-risk patients, yes. We carry rapid tests and can prescribe antiviral therapy (Paxlovid) where indicated if positive.
Can I work despite a cold?
With mild rhinitis usually yes; with fever or significant illness, no. We issue sick leave to match the clinical picture — usually 3 to 7 days.