Can you Get sick from a person from another country?

My grandma has a friend over from Sr Lanka and he came over last monday. he was there for 3 days ans suddenly we both get sick. I have headaches and a 101 fever and hes got a minor case of it. Is it possible to get sick from them and if so should i just treat it like the flu or cold and let it run its course or should i go see a doctor asap?