Suggest Treatment For Cough, Cold And Fever In An Elderly Despite Taking Febrex

Posted on Mon, 16 Oct 2017

Question: My 84 years old grandmother has fever and occasional chills since today morning. This is accompanied by cough and cold. She is not keen on eating anything. I have given her 2 Febrex Plus since the morning. Her oral temperature at 04:30 PM IST today was 100.9 Degrees F. No doctors are willing to come home and she does not feel strong enough to go to the hospital. What should I do? Please help.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Measure blood pressure if you have BP instrument at home.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on HealthcareMagic.
I can understand your concern.

Fever with chills, cough and cold are seen with viral infection.
Fever in elderly causes hypotension and this is more worrisome.
So, first measure blood pressure if you have BP instrument at home.

If blood pressure is low then immediately take her to the hospital for Intravenous fluids.
If blood pressure is normal then you can continue with Febrex plus tablet.

Also give Azithromycin 500mg (antibiotic, prescription medication) once a day after breakfast for 3 days.
Make sure she drinks plenty of fluids orally.

If fever is worsening or her general condition deteriorates then immediately take her to the hospital.

Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further.
Wishing good health to your grandmother.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee