When the normal body temperature range is exceeded, people experience a fever. For young adults, an occasional fever is nothing to worry about. However, a serious bacterial or viral infection could be the underlying problem indicated when a retirement age individual experiences a fever. Occasionally, it can point to sepsis, a chronic condition, heat stress, side effects from medication, and more.
The elderly, post-fever, may experience weakness. This is not uncommon. Energy levels can wane, even if the person is getting enough sleep. After a fever, some accompanying systems that are relatively common can include the following:
- Lack of appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Sore throat
- Unexplained joint or muscle pain
- Memory or concentration issues
Whether referring to a middle-aged adult, young adult, or a child, a person can feel exhausted as a result of post-fever weakness. More seriously affected, however, are retirement age individuals. To help treat post-fever weakness and better understand it, here are a few tips.
Keep a Positive Attitude
Though it’s not always easy, a positive attitude must be maintained during/after sickness to better handle post-fever weakness. Recovery can be hampered by worries, irritability, depression, anxiety, etc. If you can, spend a little extra time with your loved ones, not only when they’re sick but during recovery, as well. It will help them to maintain a positive attitude if they know they have your emotional support.
Avoid Smoking
Though we’ve all been acquainted with the hazards of smoking, it can’t be stressed enough that smoking’s ill effects are increased when combined with a fever/sickness/recovery. It compromises the ability of the body to fight off infection, for one. What’s more, the recovery process can be prolonged if a person insists on smoking.
Get Lots of Rest
To recover from any illness or injury, the body needs lots of rest in addition to the right foods and liquids. Immense pressure is put on the body (and the system that maintains it) when it fights off an infection/fever. Consequently, following a viral fever, body weakness is to be expected. To speed up the recovery process, it’s critical to get enough sleep.
Make Sure that All Medications Are Taken as Directed
Even though your loved one may not feel like drinking or eating when they’re sick, it’s crucial they do not skip any doses of prescribed medication. Do all you can to stick to the “as directed” instructions from the physician where prescribed medications are concerned. If your loved one is by themselves while and/or after they have a fever, it’s important to have everything they could need or want well within reach. They might not want to get up and go into the kitchen or bathroom, just to rummage through drawers and cabinets.
Consume Healthy Foods
Unfortunately, when your body is the sickest and needs the most nutrients, that’s when most people feel less likely to eat. A general disinterest in foods and lack of appetite is frequently present in older adults experiencing a fever. Some, however, go the opposite way! They may crave a serving of their favorite fast food or a bowl of ice cream. Regardless, they should avoid packaged food and try to eat nutritious and delicious meals.
Stay Hydrated
This is one of the most important tips because, compared to young adults, it’s far more complicated when a retirement age individual experiences fever and the possible resulting dehydration. Bouts of diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating are prominent fever symptoms that, in older adults, increase dehydration’s risks. Retirement age individuals, during recovery, can cope with post-fever weakness better if they stay hydrated.
Regency Pointe Provides a Considerate, Capable, Professional Team to Care for Your Loved One
The care team at Regency Pointe consists of numerous educated, compassionate people working together.
- Our Executive Director will be happy to answer your questions courtesy of her years of management experience. She’ll be happy to tell you about the retirement lifestyle your loved one will enjoy here.
- From tastes around the world to traditional Southern styles, our chef creates handcrafted meals that are delicious and nutritious. Enjoy each of these meals in a fine dining atmosphere.
- Our Director of Events and Recreation makes it possible for residents to participate in crafts, attend plays, and so much more. Your loved one will stay happy and active while enjoying hobbies and interests.
Of course, this is simply a small sample of the entire team that works together to give your loved one the best care – in a resort-style setting – that the South has to offer. See for yourself by scheduling a tour today.
