What are chills?
A feeling of being cold, but not necessarily in a cold environment, is often accompanied by chills or tremors. The chills or tremors may have causes other than an underlying disease. Examples include exposure to cold, fear, or nervousness.
- Chills are sensations of cold accompanied by shivering.
- They can occur with or without fever.
- Without fever, chills often result from exposure to cold environments.
- Any condition causing fever can lead to chills with fever.
- In influenza infection, fever and chills are common symptoms.
- Chills can result from exposure to cold weather, potentially leading to hypothermia.
- Pregnancy-related chills stem from similar causes as chills in general.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the causes of chills?
Many different factors can cause chills. Cold outside temperatures may be the most common, but a temperature that causes one person to shiver can be quite comfortable for someone else.
In addition to cold temperatures, some other causes of chills can include:
- Infections:
- Body aches and fever accompanying chills may indicate a viral or bacterial infection.
- Common infections include colds, flu, and urinary tract infections.
- Low blood sugar:
- Can cause chills, especially risky for people with diabetes.
- Symptoms range from mild chills and tremors to vision problems and seizures.
- Emotional reactions:
- Strong emotions like joy or grief can trigger chills.
- Can stem from real-life events or exposure to music or art.
- Malaria:
- Rare in the United States but prevalent in tropical areas.
- Chills accompanied by sweating, fever, nausea, and muscle aches should prompt a doctor visit.
- Inflammatory diseases:
- Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can cause chills and fever.
- Medicines:
- Some drugs can induce chills or fever.
- Approximately 15% of those with adverse drug reactions experience chills.
- Leukaemia:
- Symptoms may include chills, fever, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
- Fever definition for adults:
- Temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.
Diagnosis of Chills
If a person experiences persistent chills, a doctor can help diagnose the underlying cause. To do so, they can:
Diagnostic Process:
- Check vital signs: Blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and temperature.
- Take comprehensive medical history: Including pre-existing conditions, travel, medications, and treatments.
- Inquire about other symptoms: Such as cough, digestive issues, rashes, or other concerns.
- Perform physical exam: Covering key areas like eyes, ears, nose, throat, neck, and abdomen.
- Additional tests: Such as Chest X-ray, blood tests, and urine cultures may be conducted if a specific condition is suspected.
COVID-19 Testing:
- COVID-19 diagnosis requires testing.
- CDC prioritizes testing for healthcare workers and severely ill individuals.
- Availability of tests can be checked with local or state health departments.
Treatment
Chills are a symptom, not a disease, so treatment for chills largely depends on its cause.
Home Treatment for Chills:
- Mild infection: Rest, fluids, and OTC pain relievers for relief.
- Layer up and stay warm if chills are bothersome.
- Diabetes management: Discuss risks of low blood sugar with healthcare provider and plan for management.
- Underlying medical conditions: Chills should improve with treatment for the underlying condition.
When to visit a Doctor
Call your doctor if your fever and chills do not improve after 48 hours of home care or if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Torticollis
- Wheezing
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Slowness
- Irritability
- Abdominal pain
- Painful urination
- Violent vomiting
- Frequent urination or lack of urination
- Unusual sensitivity to bright light
Call a paediatrician if any of the following signs appear in your child:
When to Consult a Pediatrician:
- Fever in a child under three months.
- Fever in a child aged 3 to 6 months who is lethargic or irritable.
- Fever lasting more than a day in a child aged 6 to 24 months.
- Fever lasting over three days in a child aged 24 months to 17 years with no response to treatment.
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Book an AppointmentTips for Managing Chills
Home care for adults:
If you have chills with a fever, treatment depends on whether chills are gone. Mild fever (38.6°C or less) and no serious symptoms do not require a doctor. Rest and hydrate with water or juices. Use a light blanket and avoid heavy ones. Sponge with warm water or take a cold shower to reduce fever, but be cautious as cold water may trigger chills.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can reduce fever and fight chills, such as:
- aspirin (Bayer)
- acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- ibuprofen (Advil)
Follow medication directions carefully. Aspirin and ibuprofen reduce fever and inflammation, while acetaminophen only reduces fever. Take acetaminophen as directed to avoid liver damage. Long-term ibuprofen use can harm the stomach and kidneys.
Home care for children
- Treatment depends on child's age, temperature, and accompanying symptoms.
- If fever is between 100ºF and 102ºF and child feels uncomfortable, give acetaminophen following package instructions.
- Dress child in light clothing and keep hydrated with water or fluids.
- Never wrap child in thick blankets.
- Avoid giving aspirin to children under 18 due to risk of Reye's syndrome.
