Table of Contents
Symptoms of infection at age 50 years and over
1. Decreased appetite
2. Sudden fatigue
3. Sudden confusion
4. Easy to fall
5. Mild fever
Jakarta, goldensamoyed Indonesia
—
Feeling unwell but your body temperature is normal?In groups
age over 50 years
, does not appear
fever
does not mean free from
infection
.
Often as you age, your immune system weakens.This process is known as
immunosenescence
.This condition means that the body no longer shows signs of infection that usually appear, such as fever and chills.
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As a result, infections often appear in the form of unusual symptoms.
“We are seeing an abnormal presentation for some of these respiratory viruses in elderly people,” said infectious disease specialist at John Hopkins Medicine Morgan Katz, as reported
AARP
.
Therefore, monitoring changes in behavior, eating patterns or daily habits is very important.
Symptoms of infection at age 50 years and over
Doctors warn that any changes in a person’s appetite, personality, or behavior should be noted, especially if they appear suddenly.
“Infections become a concern when there are sudden changes in elderly people. For example, overnight or within hours, something suddenly becomes different from before,” said geriatrician Nina Blachman from New York University Langone.
But, it is also important to monitor a person’s basic condition.For example, a new infection can worsen existing health problems such as diabetes or heart problems.
At least, here are some symptoms of infection that often appear in people aged 50 years and over.
1. Decreased appetite
Refusing breakfast even though you usually always eat?At older ages, small changes like these can be early signs of a respiratory infection.
Studies show that people aged 75 years and over more often lose their appetite when experiencing Covid-19 or other infections.Early detection of these symptoms helps prevent more serious complications.
2. Sudden fatigue
Fatigue is an early symptom of infection.But in older groups of people, fatigue can appear very suddenly.
If someone who is usually active suddenly appears lethargic, has difficulty carrying out activities, or is different from usual, this condition could be an early indicator of illness.
3. Sudden confusion
Worsening confusion can be a warning sign of infection.
Small study contained in
Clinical Nursing Research
found that infection and dehydration were the main causes of short-term confusion in nursing home residents.
Delirium, a more severe type of confusion, can also be a symptom of infection.
“Often, this [delirium] is a very worrisome sign of a more severe infection,” said Emory University School of Medicine Division of Geriatrics Director Camille Vaughan.
Vaughan said that until now experts do not know the exact mechanism that triggers changes in brain function that trigger delirium.
In another study published in
British Journal of General Practice
, researchers interviewed 22 patients and six caregivers.They identified a spectrum of confusion arising from infection.
Some patients describe this phase of their illness as a period of ‘fuzziness’, difficulty focusing, or feeling unable to control their thoughts.
4. Easy to fall
Falls are not always related to low vision or medication.Infection, especially if it makes the body feel weak, can increase a person’s risk of falling.
However, doctors warn that not all falls directly indicate infection.The most important thing is to pay attention to your body’s condition within one to two days after the incident.
5. Mild fever
In younger people, fever is usually obvious.However, in people aged 50 years and over, the increase in body temperature can be so small that it looks like they don’t have a fever.
Doctors recommend monitoring body temperature periodically.An increase of around 0.2 degrees Celsius above normal temperature can be considered a fever.
(nga/asr)
