Differential Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis included COVID-19, influenza A and B, Hepatitis C, HIV, tickborne illnesses, post-operative wound infection, thromboembolic disease, and infectious endocarditis. Tickborne illnesses, particularly Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis common in the geographical area where the patient lives, were excluded by serology. Post-operative wound infection and thromboembolic disease were not evident clinically. The lack of objective synovitis on exam made rheumatological disease less likely. Malignancy was considered in light of the complaint of night sweats, but there was no lymphadenopathy or weight loss.