Seasonal house call · Winter
Flu Season Berlin Winter
Flu Season Berlin Winter 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.
When the Robert Koch-Institut reports increased influenza activity for Berlin, case numbers across the city rise sharply within days. We come with a rapid influenza test to your hotel, apartment or home, distinguish influenza A/B from a common cold, and decide on the spot about antiviral therapy, sick leave and follow-up.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Influenza in Berlin — recognising the wave before it escalates
The seasonal flu wave usually reaches Berlin between mid-December and late February. The Landesamt für Gesundheit and the AGI sentinel practices then report sharply rising case numbers. Anyone falling ill in this phase with sudden high fever, severe malaise and dry cough is statistically far more likely to have real influenza — not an ordinary cold. That distinction matters clinically because it changes therapy, the length of sick leave and how you should behave around at-risk contacts.
During flu season we visit patients across Berlin daily from 6 am to midnight. At the house call we run an influenza A/B rapid test when symptoms fit, check respiratory rate and oxygen saturation, and decide on the spot whether antiviral therapy (oseltamivir) is appropriate — especially for at-risk patients, pregnant women, or early-stage illness within the first 48 hours. Prescription, sick note and a GOÄ invoice via our Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle are issued at the same appointment.
Influenza vs. common cold — the clinical difference
True influenza differs clearly from an ordinary cold: sudden onset rather than gradual worsening, fever above 38.5 °C, marked muscle and joint pain, dry irritating cough, and a clear sense that you can no longer function. A rapid test gives clarity. For at-risk patients — pregnant women, people over 60, those with chronic lung or heart disease, the immunosuppressed — that test result changes the treatment plan.
When hospital admission is sensible
Influenza-associated pneumonia, an exacerbation of known COPD or heart failure, and an oxygen saturation below 92 % belong in hospital. We measure saturation on site, auscultate the lungs and arrange admission when needed — pre-announced by phone and with all relevant findings. For acute shortness of breath, altered consciousness or chest pain, call 112 immediately.
How the house call works during flu season
You call, briefly describe the symptoms, we discuss urgency and agree on a time window. Typical arrival time in Berlin is 60 to 90 minutes — during peak season it can take longer, and we tell you honestly when we will realistically arrive.
On site: focused history, physical examination, influenza rapid test when symptoms fit, oxygen saturation and ECG if needed, treatment decision. Prescription and sick note are issued during the visit; GOÄ billing runs via our 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
Business traveller at the hotel
A manager falls ill with sudden fever before an important meeting. We test in the room, make the diagnosis, issue sick leave and advise on therapy.
Family with a feverish child
Influenza often runs more stormy in children. We examine on site, rule out complications and decide on further care.
At-risk patient at home
Older people with heart or lung disease benefit from early antiviral therapy. We test, assess the lungs and treat in time.
Flu after travel
Those returning from a ski holiday or conference with fever should get the diagnosis early — therapy works best within 48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Is a rapid influenza test still worthwhile after three days?
Yes, the test is often still positive on day three or four. Antiviral therapy, however, works best within the first 48 hours — the individual risk assessment is what counts.
Will I get a prescription for Tamiflu at the house call?
If test, symptoms and risk profile justify it, yes. For pregnant women, older patients and the chronically ill we set the indication more generously than for young, healthy adults.
How long is sick leave for influenza?
Usually seven to fourteen days. We initially write sick leave for one week and extend it by phone or follow-up as needed.
Can I get the flu shot during a house call?
Until late November a vaccination is sensible and we can organise it as a house call. During the wave itself we do not vaccinate the acutely ill — only after recovery.