What causes the chills and shivering when you have a fever? How do you treat fever and chills? What are the signs of a serious illness that requires medical attention?

Understanding the Fever-Chills Connection

When a person has a fever, the body’s temperature regulation system goes into overdrive as it tries to fight off an infection or illness. The hypothalamus, a small area at the base of the brain, sets the body’s “ideal” temperature around 98.6°F (37°C). But when the body detects an infection, the hypothalamus raises this set point, causing the body to try to reach the new, higher temperature. This leads to the common experience of feeling cold and shivering, as the body’s muscles contract in an attempt to raise the temperature.

The shivering and chills continue until the body’s temperature reaches the new, higher set point established by the hypothalamus. Once the fever breaks and the body temperature drops below this new set point, the person may then feel hot and sweaty as the body tries to lower the temperature back to the normal range.

Treating Fever and Chills

Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen can help lower a fever and alleviate chills. It’s important to never give aspirin to children, as it increases the risk of a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids is also recommended.

Contrary to popular belief, there’s no need to take extreme measures like ice baths or removing clothing to lower a fever. In fact, this can cause discomfort and does not provide any additional benefit. Most fevers, even high ones, are not dangerous as long as the body can regulate the temperature.

When to Seek Medical Attention

However, there are some situations where a fever with chills may warrant a trip to the doctor or emergency room:

• The fever is very high and does not respond to medication
• The person has other severe symptoms like a stiff neck, confusion, or difficulty breathing
• The person has a weakened immune system due to conditions like cancer, HIV, or taking immunosuppressant drugs
• The person is a newborn under 3 months old with a fever

In these cases, the fever and chills could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition that requires prompt medical care.

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Along with the chills and shivering, a person with a fever may also experience other symptoms such as:

• Feeling very cold
• Feeling hot when the fever breaks or after taking medication
• General symptoms of illness like cough, earache, or muscle pain
• Intense fatigue
• Vomiting or diarrhea

The specific symptoms can provide clues about the underlying cause of the fever, such as an ear infection or a reaction to medication. However, it’s not always possible to self-diagnose the cause, so seeking medical attention is recommended if symptoms persist or worsen.

The Role of Fever in the Immune Response

Contrary to popular belief, there is little scientific evidence that actively treating a fever provides any medical benefit. In fact, some studies suggest that suppressing a fever may actually slow the body’s natural immune response and recovery process, particularly for more serious infections like COVID-19.

The body’s ability to raise its temperature is a key part of the immune system’s defense against infections. By increasing the temperature set point, the hypothalamus triggers shivering and other mechanisms to elevate the body’s temperature, which can create a less favorable environment for pathogens and activate immune cells to fight the infection.

Seeking Medical Attention for Fevers

While most fevers are not dangerous, it’s still important to be aware of the warning signs that warrant a trip to the doctor or emergency room. These include:

• Symptoms of a serious illness like meningitis (stiff neck, confusion, light sensitivity)
• Worsening or persistent symptoms that don’t improve after a few days
• Fever in a newborn under 3 months old
• Fever in someone with a weakened immune system

By understanding the mechanisms behind fever and chills, and knowing when to seek medical care, individuals can better manage these common symptoms and support their body’s natural immune response.