Chills what it can mean

Overview

Chills are a feeling of being cold, often accompanied by shivering or trembling. They usually happen when your body's temperature changes, most often due to a fever. Chills are your body's way of trying to warm up when it thinks you are too cold, even if your actual body temperature is rising.

Yes, chills are very common. Most people experience them at some point, usually during a cold, flu, or other infection.

Chills can affect anyone, but they are more common in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, as these groups are more prone to infections.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling cold despite being in a warm environment
• Shivering or trembling
• Goosebumps
• Clattering teeth
• A sensation of coldness that comes and goes

Symptoms in children

• Crying or fussiness due to discomfort
• Pulling blankets over themselves even when it's warm
• Rapid breathing or fast heart rate
• May not eat or drink as usual

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or disorientation (this can be a sign of a serious infection)
• Weakness and fatigue
• Less obvious fever — older adults may not run a high temperature even when infected
• Loss of appetite

Causes

Main causes

• Infections: Most common — viral (like flu, COVID-19) or bacterial (like strep throat, urinary tract infection)
• Inflammatory conditions: Such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease
• Medication reactions: Some drugs can cause fever and chills as a side effect
• Blood transfusions: Rarely, chills occur during or after a transfusion
• Malaria or other tropical infections if you have traveled recently
• Hypothermia: Prolonged exposure to cold can cause chills as the body tries to warm up

Risk factors

• Having a weakened immune system (from illness or medication)
• Being very young or very old
• Living or working in crowded places (higher infection risk)
• Recent travel to areas with infectious diseases
• Chronic health conditions like diabetes or kidney disease

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have chills with a high fever that won't go down
• If chills are accompanied by severe headache, stiff neck, or confusion
• If you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or a rapid heartbeat
• If you have chills after a recent surgical procedure or bite wound

Book a routine appointment if:

• If chills last more than a few days without other symptoms
• If you have recurrent chills without a clear reason
• If you are pregnant and have chills or fever

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, recent travel, medical history, and any medications you take. They will also check your temperature and do a physical exam to look for signs of infection.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests: To check for infection (raised white blood cells) or inflammation
• Urine test: To look for a urinary tract infection
• Throat swab or sputum culture: If a respiratory infection is suspected
• Imaging: Chest X-ray if pneumonia is possible
• Blood culture: To identify bacteria in the bloodstream

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will likely start with simple tests and may advise you to treat the underlying cause. In many cases, the cause is clear from the history and exam. You may be asked to monitor your temperature at home and return if symptoms worsen.

Treatment

Treatment for chills focuses on the underlying cause. If an infection is present, addressing it will usually resolve the chills. For mild illnesses, home care and rest are often sufficient.

Self-care at home

• Rest and stay in a warm, comfortable environment
• Drink plenty of fluids (water, soup, herbal tea) to stay hydrated
• Use a light blanket — too many blankets can raise your temperature too high
• Take a lukewarm bath if you have a fever (avoid cold water, which can make shivering worse)
• Monitor your temperature regularly

Medical treatments

If an infection is found, your doctor may recommend antibiotics for bacterial infections or antiviral medications for certain viral infections. For inflammatory conditions, treatments such as anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice — do not self-medicate with leftover prescriptions.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat chills. It may be needed for the underlying cause in rare cases, such as draining an abscess that is causing severe infection.

Living with this condition

If you have chills from a chronic condition, work with your doctor to manage the underlying disease. Keep track of when chills occur and any other symptoms, as this can help your doctor adjust your treatment.

Lifestyle tips

• Get enough sleep to support your immune system
• Wash your hands frequently to reduce infection risk
• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Stay up to date on recommended vaccinations

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and proteins to support your immune system. Gentle exercise like walking can help, but avoid strenuous activity if you have a fever or feel unwell.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Frequent or unexplained chills can be worrying. It's normal to feel anxious or frustrated. Talk to your doctor about your concerns — they can help you understand what's happening and ease your worry.

Prevention

Not all chills can be prevented, but you can reduce your risk of infections that cause them. Good hygiene, vaccination, and avoiding known triggers can help.

Vaccines

Vaccines against flu, pneumonia, COVID-19, and other infections can lower your chances of getting sick and developing chills. Ask your doctor which vaccines are recommended for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for chills, but if you have a condition that makes you prone to infections (like diabetes), regular check-ups can catch problems early.

Complications

If left untreated

• If chills are due to a serious bacterial infection, delaying treatment can lead to sepsis (a life-threatening response to infection)
• Severe dehydration from fever and sweating
• Worsening of the underlying condition, such as pneumonia or meningitis

Long-term outlook

In most cases, chills go away once the underlying cause is treated. With prompt medical care, even serious infections can be managed well. Staying aware of your symptoms and seeking help when needed leads to the best outcome.

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