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What causes a low platelet count after a fever at age 57?

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am 57 years old. I have had a persistent low-grade fever for a week. At the end of the week, I did not have a fever. We did a blood test, and it showed me a low platelet count of 127 thousand/microliter. Six months ago, I did a blood test, and it showed me a platelet count of 166 thousand/microliter.

During my fever, I did not have any other symptoms, such as cough, throat pain, runny nose, or breathing problems. I am worried about my abnormal platelet count.

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Geetha Priyadarsini Kamminana

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Geetha Priyadarsini Kamminana has a clinical experience of 15 years. She has completed her MBBS at Guntur Medical College (Govt), Guntur, Andhra Pradesh and MD in General Medicine at Rangaraya Medical College (Govt), Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

It is good to hear that your fever has subsided. Low platelet count is referred to as thrombocytopenia. Your count is 127,000/mm³, and it falls under the mild range (normal range: 100,000/mm³ to 150,000/mm³). It can occur due to multiple reasons. It can occur due to laboratory error or pseudo-thrombocytopenia due to the usage of EDTA (ethylenediaminetetracetic acid) anticoagulant.

Low platelet count is considered to be a serious issue when it occurs in association with bleeding symptoms like bruising, petechial rash, and gum bleeding. You do not have any of these symptoms. You can recheck your platelet count after a few days. I can assure you that your current health status is safe and good.

I hope this helps.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At April 2, 2020
Reviewed At June 11, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Geetha Priyadarsini Kamminana has a clinical experience of 15 years. She has completed her MBBS at Guntur Medical College (Govt), Guntur, Andhra Pradesh and MD in General Medicine at Rangaraya Medical College (Govt), Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Geetha Priyadarsini Kamminana has a clinical experience of 15 years. She has completed her MBBS at Guntur Medical College (Govt), Guntur, Andhra Pradesh and MD in General Medicine at Rangaraya Medical College (Govt), Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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