Acute symptoms · Berlin
Common cold
Common cold is an acute medical condition that RAB Arztbesuche treats with a licensed physician on a home visit anywhere in Berlin — daily from 6 am to midnight, usually within 60 to 90 minutes.
A common cold is usually harmless — occasionally it is the start of a more serious course. Our specialist physicians come to your home or hotel daily from 6 am to midnight, clarify the cause with rapid tests and advise on sensible therapy. Typical arrival: 60 to 90 minutes.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Common cold in Berlin — when the house call is useful
Adults average two to four upper respiratory infections per year; children significantly more. Classic cold symptoms — runny nose, sore throat, mild cough, low-grade fever — are almost always viral and resolve within a week. Antibiotics do not help and tend to do harm.
Even so, situations arise in which a house call is sensible: a worsening illness picture, suspicion of influenza or COVID-19, comorbidities with elevated risk of complications, professional obligations on a tight timeline, or international guests in Berlin hotels who need a quick reliable assessment.
What the specialist does on site
We take a structured history, examine lungs, throat and eardrums, palpate lymph nodes and measure oxygen saturation. With an unclear clinical picture we add rapid tests for influenza, COVID-19, RSV or streptococcus. This catches genuine influenza early and avoids unnecessary antibiotics. We advise on sensible symptomatic measures and define clear follow-up criteria.
When a cold turns serious
A renewed worsening after initial improvement — the so-called second-wave illness — can signal bacterial superinfection (pneumonia, sinusitis, otitis media). Persistent high fever for more than three to four days, shortness of breath, chest pain or bloody sputum are also red flags. In these cases call us again or seek hospital review.
How the house call works
On first contact we clarify onset, course and accompanying symptoms. If anything suggests a more serious course we discuss the next step. Otherwise we dispatch the next available specialist.
On site we examine, add rapid tests where indicated and advise on therapy. We issue prescriptions where needed and give recommendations for self-care and clear escalation criteria. A sick-leave certificate is issued on request directly on site.
Billing and insurance
We bill according to the GOÄ via our Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle. House call, examination and any rapid tests are itemised separately. German private health insurance and Beihilfe schemes typically reimburse these positions in full.
We can issue an English invoice for international guests and remain reachable by phone for billing questions after the visit.
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
Hotel guest with an early infection
A guest at a hotel in Mitte has felt sore throat and runny nose since arrival; an important meeting is the next day. We clarify whether influenza or COVID-19 is present.
Patient with chronic lung disease
In a COPD patient in Zehlendorf, every respiratory infection is potentially relevant. We examine carefully and adjust therapy.
Professional under time pressure
A consultant in Charlottenburg wants to know whether she is fit to travel before an important meeting. We clarify and advise.
Family with simultaneous cases
In Prenzlauer Berg parents and child are affected. We examine the whole household in one visit.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need a doctor for a cold?
Not always. An uncomplicated cold resolves without medical treatment. A house call is useful with suspected influenza or COVID-19, with comorbidities, with markedly reduced general state or with professional necessity.
How do you tell a cold from the flu?
A cold builds up slowly with sore throat and runny nose. Influenza starts abruptly with fever and marked exhaustion. The rapid test provides definitive clarification.
Can you issue a sick-leave certificate?
Yes, directly on site. As elsewhere, examination is a prerequisite for a certificate.
What does a house call for a cold cost?
We bill according to the GOÄ; the total depends on services rendered. German private health insurance typically reimburses in full.
Book now or call
Get in touch — we will arrange a doctor for your house call regarding Common cold.