Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Fever issue
My father is 78 years old. He had a chest and cold infection around 3 weeks ago. He was given Augmentin 1 g twice daily and Levofloxacin 500 mg once daily for 14 days. He recovered well.
After finishing the medicines, he got a mild fever without any other symptoms. We gave fever medicine for 2 days and the fever stopped. We did blood tests (CBC, CRP, blood culture), urine test, and typhoid test. All reports were normal.
He had no fever for 5 days. Today again he got fever of 100.2°F at night. He has mild dry cough and feels very weak. No breathing problem, chest pain, urine problem, or loose motions.
Please advise what could be the reason for repeated low-grade fever in this age and what further tests are needed, he doesn't want to go to the hospital.
Not finding what you need? Ask Practo AI
FREE
Chat with Practo AI on Whatsapp
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
Not finding what you need? Ask Practo AI
FREE
Chat with Practo AI on Whatsapp
Not finding what you need? Ask Practo AI
FREE
Chat with Practo AI on Whatsapp
Not finding what you need? Ask Practo AI
FREE
Chat with Practo AI on Whatsapp
In a 78-year-old who recently recovered from a chest infection and completed strong antibiotics, a recurrent low-grade fever (around 100–100.5°F) with weakness and mild dry cough is quite common and often NOT dangerous, especially when:
• CBC, CRP, blood culture, urine test, and typhoid tests are normal
• Fever settles in between and is not continuous
• There are no red-flag symptoms (breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, urinary burning, persistent vomiting)
Common reasons include:
• Post-infectious inflammation (body still recovering)
• Residual airway irritation causing dry cough
• Antibiotic-related weakness or altered immunity
• Age-related delayed recovery
• Occasionally, viral infection picked up after recovery
At this stage, it does not strongly suggest a new serious infection.
Next Steps
Since he prefers not to go to the hospital, this is a practical and safe approach:
1. Monitor closely for 3–5 days
• Check temperature morning and night
• Note if fever crosses 101°F or becomes continuous
2. Repeat limited tests ONLY if fever persists
• CBC with differential
• CRP
• Chest X-ray (very important if cough/weakness continues)
• LFT (since he had prolonged antibiotics and bilirubin can rise silently)
• ESR (for age-related inflammation)
3. Symptomatic care
• Paracetamol only if fever >100°F
• Warm fluids
• Adequate rest
• Avoid starting new antibiotics without clear evidence
4. Hospital visit is needed urgently if
• Fever >101°F repeatedly
• Breathlessness, oxygen drop
• New chest pain
• Confusion, reduced urine output, or severe weakness
Health Tips
• In elderly patients, recovery can take weeks, not days
• Night-time low-grade fever is common during healing
• Over-treating with antibiotics can delay recovery
• Good nutrition and hydration are as important as medicines
• Keep him warm, especially at night
From what you’ve described so far, this looks more like a recovery-phase or mild viral issue, not a medical emergency. You’re doing the right thing by observing carefully and not rushing into unnecessary treatment.
If you wish, I can help you:
• Decide exactly when a chest X-ray is needed
• Guide home care to reduce weakness
• Review reports one-by-one if fever continues
You’re taking good care of your father—please don’t feel alone in this.
Answered
1/1 people found this helpful
Not finding what you need? Ask Practo AI
FREE
Chat with Practo AI on Whatsapp
Viral fever it may be..kindly do elisa pcr..crp..procalcitonin..consult a physician
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Not finding what you need? Ask Practo AI
FREE
Chat with Practo AI on Whatsapp
In elderly patients (78 years), recurrent low-grade fever after recent chest infection can occur due to several reasons even when routine blood tests are normal.
Possible causes include:
• Incomplete resolution of chest infection
• Post-infectious inflammation
• Residual lung changes
• Viral infection
• Age-related low immunity
Normal CBC, CRP, blood culture and urine tests are reassuring, but in this age group recurrent fever should not be ignored.
Mild dry cough and weakness suggest that the lungs still need evaluation.
Next Steps
Chest X-ray (very important)
• Repeat CBC and CRP after 48–72 hours if fever continues
• Oxygen saturation monitoring at home
• Adequate hydration and nutrition
• Paracetamol only for fever (avoid unnecessary antibiotics)
If fever persists beyond 2–3 days or increases, further evaluation is required.
Health Tips
Avoid starting antibiotics again without doctor advice
• Elderly patients may not show strong symptoms despite infection
• If symptoms like breathlessness, confusion, persistent weakness, or high fever develop — hospital evaluation becomes necessary
• Night-time fever in elderly should always be monitored carefully
At present, chest imaging and close observation are strongly advised, even if hospital admission is not preferred.
Take care and monitor closely.
Answered
1/1 people found this helpful
Not finding what you need? Ask Practo AI
FREE
Chat with Practo AI on Whatsapp
Not finding what you need? Ask Practo AI
FREE
Chat with Practo AI on Whatsapp
Not finding what you need? Ask Practo AI
FREE
Chat with Practo AI on Whatsapp
Not finding what you need? Ask Practo AI
FREE
Chat with Practo AI on Whatsapp
Not finding what you need? Ask Practo AI
FREE
Chat with Practo AI on Whatsapp
Not finding what you need? Ask Practo AI
FREE
Chat with Practo AI on Whatsapp
Not finding what you need? Ask Practo AI
FREE
Chat with Practo AI on Whatsapp
Not finding what you need? Ask Practo AI
FREE
Chat with Practo AI on Whatsapp
Not finding what you need? Ask Practo AI
FREE
Chat with Practo AI on Whatsapp
Not finding what you need? Ask Practo AI
FREE
Chat with Practo AI on Whatsapp
Not finding what you need? Ask Practo AI
FREE
Chat with Practo AI on Whatsapp
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.