Paediatrics·Paediatrics
Chills in children
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Chills are feelings of coldness and shivering that often happen when the body's temperature is rising. In children, chills are usually a sign of an infection causing fever. The shivering helps the body generate heat to fight the infection.
Key facts
- Chills are very common in children with viral or bacterial infections.
- Chills can occur even before a fever is detected.
- Most chills go away once the underlying infection is treated.
Yes, chills are very common in children, especially during illnesses like colds, flu, and ear infections.
Chills can affect children of all ages, but they are more common in younger children whose immune systems are still developing.