Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Measuring Frailty in HIV-infected Individuals. Identification of Frail Patients is the First Step to Amelioration and Reversal of Frailty
Published on: July 24, 2013
[Febrile syndrome in an elderly patient]
A Fernández Moyano1, A M Mata Martín, R Espinosa Calleja
1Unidad de Medicina Interna, Servicio de Medicina, Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe, Bormujos, Sevilla, España. afernandez@aljarafe.sjd.es
Abstract:
Fever in the elderly as compared with young adults has a clinical expression, prevalence, and diagnosis that require a specific type of evaluation. The significance of fever in the elderly gains importance with the increase of the population's age and it must be considered an alarm signal in these patients. Etiologically, the primary cause of prolonged fever with unspecific origin in this population, is arteritis of giant cells, followed by (according to epidemiological environment) tuberculosis and hematological neoplasias. There is no consensus on diagnostic approaches, but it is essential to take great care in the process due to risk associated with invasive tests and low tolerance to them.
Related Concept Videos
Increased Body Temperature
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
Types of Fever
Here are the different types of fever:
Methods of reducing fever
Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever:
Patterns of Fever
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age