QUESTION

I live in Mumbai,India. My mother’s age is 56. She is getting fever from last 1 month and also lost her appetite. We have tested for malaria but it is negative. Tried 4-5 doctors but no one is able to detect the exact cause. She feels better for 3-4 days after medication but then again gets a fever. She feels like vomiting while trying to eat something. Please help.

ANSWER

If the doctors have tested her for malaria and the test was negative, then she probably isn’t suffering from malaria. There are many other potential causes for her illness, from influenza to gastroenteritis. She should try to keep drinking plenty of fluids to stay rehydrated, and plain foods so as not to upset her stomach but keep her strength up. We are not able to give specific medical advice. If she is still feeling sick, you should consult another doctor and ask for a more comprehensive set of tests to determine the cause of illness (including blood tests and a faecal examination to look for parasites).