Is it unlikely for an elderly man(with a history of pneumonia)to have an underlying infection for 2 weeks with no major physical symptoms? he's been nauseous & drinking/eating very little.says he feels better today. so can infection now be ruled out?

Anything is possible: Elderly patients tend to present with atypical symptoms for the same diseases compared to younger ones. Ongoing symptoms might suggest ongoing active infection or other problems and needs to checked out by the doctor

YES: OLder patients can have serious illness that does not present as we would expect. I suggest a recheck and repeat chest x-ray.

YES: the elderly often have infection without accompanying fever chills etc etc Hope this is helpful Dr z