Tiredness and weakness

Figure

Problems and possible causes

AIDS can often make a person feel very tired and weak, particularly in the later stages of the illness. This can have many causes and to some extent is unavoidable. It is important to advise people to do what they can to keep their strength up and not to take on activities that could be dangerous to them (like walking too far). A person's weakness and fatigue could be a result of some or all of the following:

· HIV infection or HIV-related illnesses (particularly respiratory illnesses)
· poor nutrition
· depression
· anaemia.

What to do at home

If no treatable infection or other problem is found, it is important for people to learn how to adjust to their limited ability. The following advice may help someone to do this:

· See what can and cannot be done unaided. It can help a family to know when and for what things someone needs assistance, and help them to understand that there are still some things the sick person can do in the home, while other tasks may have to be given to others.

· Rest should be taken as often as needed.

· Help should be asked for, and accepted, from others. People will usually appreciate being told how they can help rather than having to guess and feel uncertain.

· Ways should be found of making some activities easier - for example, sitting rather than standing to bathe or cook; using a bedpan or suitable container rather than going to the toilet or latrine; buying or making a walker, cane or wheelchair.

Figure

If someone cannot get out of bed at all they will clearly need help - see the section on skin problems in this chapter for information on the prevention of bed sores and skin problems due to prolonged inactivity. The person helping should be advised to:

· move the sick person's arms and legs gently, several times a day

· turn the person from one side onto their back, or to the other side, every few hours

· provide a bedpan or suitable container every few hours, or more often if needed, to allow the person to empty their bowels or bladder

· keep the sick person's skin clean and dry.

When someone is caring for a person with AIDS who is tired and weak they should:

· help with the person's daily needs, such as bathing, going to the toilet or latrine, getting in and out of bed, changing position in bed, eating and drinking

· keep the person involved, even if he or she is very weak, in the activities within the home.

If the sick person is weak but moving about, safety precautions can be very important. General safety precautions to be taken in the home are described in detail in the section on mental confusion later in this chapter and are summarized here as follows:

· Move loose or dangerous objects out of the way.
· Assist the person when walking or make a walking stick or cane for them.
· Try not to leave the person alone for long periods.

When sick people and their families must seek help

· If the sick person suddenly becomes very weak (for example, unable to walk), particularly if there are also other symptoms such as a high fever, headache or confusion.

Notes on tiredness and weakness
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