A 38-Year-Old Man With Persistent Fever and Progressive Shortness of Breath

Abstract

A 38-year-old man presented to the ED complaining of persistent fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, and diarrhea for 7 days. He reported a history of OSA with inconsistent CPAP use, tobacco use of less than one pack per day, and daily e-cigarette use or "vaping." He denied any contact with ill people or recent travels and was up to date on recommended COVID-19 vaccinations. Prior to his presentation, he had been seen at an urgent care facility twice in the last week, where he was given IV fluids and prescribed steroids without improvement.