Seasonal house call · Carnival period
Carnival/Fasching Sick Berlin
Carnival/Fasching Sick 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.
Carnival is not a mandatory Rhenish event in Berlin, but carnival and Fasching dances, costume parties and Rosenmontag celebrations — at embassies, hotels and private circles — are spread across the city. Anyone falling ill between 11/11 and Ash Wednesday can call us.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Carnival in Berlin — different tradition, similar complaints
Unlike Cologne or Düsseldorf, carnival is not a half-public holiday in Berlin. But Rhenish, Polish and Brazilian cultural circles host Fasching parties, embassies hold balls, hotels have themed evenings. At the same time the respiratory-infection peak season runs — many illnesses are therefore not 'carnival-specific' but fall in the same window.
Anyone falling ill or injured during the carnival season — hoarseness after a dance party, GI illness after a buffet, respiratory infections, circulatory weakness, dizziness — gets a specialist assessment as a house call. We come to the hotel, apartment or home, treat on site and issue sick leave and a GOÄ invoice.
Voice loss and laryngitis
A long phase of loud activity in dry heated air (or cold outdoor air with aerosol exposure) can cause laryngitis with hoarseness or aphonia. We examine the larynx area, rule out bacterial involvement, advise on voice rest and medication. With persistent hoarseness (over three weeks) ENT follow-up is indicated.
Emergency: alcohol-related unconsciousness
For unconsciousness after alcohol — particularly with slowed breathing, blue lips or vomiting — call 112 immediately. Recovery position until the ambulance arrives. Our service complements — it does not replace the emergency service.
How the carnival house call works
Call, brief description of complaints. We agree on a time window — typical Berlin arrival 60 to 90 minutes.
On site: history, physical exam, rapid tests if needed (influenza, COVID, strep), therapy, prescription, sick leave. GOÄ billing via the Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle at the normal rate.
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
Voice loss after carnival party
Patient with full aphonia after carnival dance. We examine the larynx, advise on voice rest and write sick leave.
GI illness after buffet
Patient after embassy carnival with vomiting and diarrhoea. We treat symptomatically, secure stool samples if foodborne illness is suspected.
Cold after big event
Classic respiratory infection after a large gathering. We test for influenza/COVID, treat and write sick leave.
Circulatory weakness
Older patient after carnival evening with dizziness and hypotension. We check whether it was 'just' exertion or cardiological work-up makes sense.
Frequently asked questions
When is carnival/Fasching in Berlin?
Peak traditionally between Thursday before Ash Wednesday (Weiberfastnacht) and Ash Wednesday — usually February or early March. Exact dates depend on Easter.
Do antibiotics help with hoarseness?
Usually no — the commonest causes are viral or mechanical overload. Antibiotics are indicated only with proven bacterial involvement.
How long is sick leave after carnival?
For a simple cold 3 to 5 days, for influenza longer, for GI illness usually 2 to 3 days. We decide clinically and realistically.
Do you treat alcohol-related complaints?
Symptomatic care — fluids, anti-emetics, painkillers — yes. For unconsciousness or suspected poisoning the emergency service is responsible.