What details did the patient provide regarding their chief complaint and symptomology to derive your differential diagnosis?

Patient provided information about their main complaint, fatigue. They also gave additional symptoms like joint pain and muscle aches. This information was used to formulate a differential diagnosis that included possible viral conditions such as influenza and autoimmune conditions, like rheumatoid. Additional investigation of other symptoms, such as weight loss or fever, could also help narrow the possible diagnoses.

Diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies or bloodwork, may be necessary in certain cases to distinguish between the possibilities. Ultimately, by carefully listening to the patient’s reports of their experiences combined with an understanding of diseases and conditions affecting similar populations it is possible to develop a list of likely explanations that can later be narrowed down through further testing if necessary.