Why does fever cause chills. Understanding Fever-Induced Chills: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Why does fever cause chills. How long do fever and chills typically last. When should you seek medical attention for fever and chills. What are the best ways to manage fever and chills at home.
The Science Behind Fever and Chills
Fever and chills, while seemingly contradictory, are actually closely related physiological responses to infection. To understand this phenomenon, we need to delve into the body’s defense mechanisms against pathogens.
When the body detects an invading microorganism, it initiates a complex immune response. One crucial aspect of this response is raising the body’s internal temperature. This elevation in core temperature serves a vital purpose in fighting off infections.
Why Does the Body Raise Its Temperature?
The body increases its temperature for several reasons:
- To create an inhospitable environment for pathogens
- To enhance immune system function
- To slow down the reproduction of viruses and bacteria
Most viruses and bacteria thrive at normal body temperature (approximately 98.6°F or 37°C). By raising the internal temperature even by just a degree or two, the body can significantly impair the ability of these microorganisms to reproduce and spread.
The Role of the Brain’s Thermostat
The hypothalamus, often referred to as the body’s thermostat, plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature. During an infection, it resets the body’s temperature set point to a higher level. This reset triggers a series of physiological responses aimed at reaching and maintaining this new, elevated temperature.
The Paradox of Feeling Cold While Running a Fever
One of the most puzzling aspects of having a fever is the sensation of feeling cold despite an elevated body temperature. This seemingly contradictory experience has a logical explanation rooted in the body’s thermoregulation processes.
Why Do We Feel Cold During a Fever?
When the brain raises the body’s temperature set point, our current body temperature suddenly becomes “too low” in comparison to this new target. As a result, we experience the sensation of feeling cold, even though our actual body temperature is higher than normal.
This perceived coldness triggers several physiological responses:
- Shivering: Involuntary muscle contractions generate heat
- Vasoconstriction: Blood vessels near the skin constrict to reduce heat loss
- Seeking warmth: We instinctively try to bundle up or seek warm environments
These responses are all aimed at raising our body temperature to match the new, higher set point established by the hypothalamus.
Common Causes of Fever and Chills
Fever and chills can be triggered by various factors, with infections being the most common cause. Understanding the potential underlying conditions can help in determining the appropriate course of action.
Viral Infections
Many viral infections can cause fever and chills, including:
- Common cold
- Influenza (flu)
- COVID-19
- Mononucleosis
- Viral gastroenteritis
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections that may lead to fever and chills include:
- Strep throat
- Pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Bacterial gastroenteritis
- Cellulitis
Other Causes
While infections are the most common culprits, other conditions can also trigger fever and chills:
- Certain medications
- Autoimmune disorders
- Some cancers
- Heat exhaustion or heatstroke
- Hormonal imbalances
Duration and Patterns of Fever and Chills
The duration and pattern of fever and chills can vary significantly depending on the underlying cause. Understanding these patterns can provide valuable insights into the nature of the illness and guide treatment decisions.
How Long Do Fever and Chills Typically Last?
The duration of fever and chills can range from a few hours to several days or even weeks in some cases. For common viral infections like colds or flu, fever and chills often persist for 3-5 days. However, in more serious infections or chronic conditions, these symptoms may last longer.
Fever Patterns
Fevers can follow different patterns, which may provide clues about the underlying cause:
- Continuous fever: Temperature remains above normal throughout the day and doesn’t fluctuate more than 1°C (1.8°F)
- Remittent fever: Temperature fluctuates during the day but never returns to normal
- Intermittent fever: Temperature returns to normal for several hours before rising again
- Relapsing fever: Fever-free periods of days or weeks are followed by recurrence of fever for several days
When to Seek Medical Attention for Fever and Chills
While most cases of fever and chills resolve on their own, certain situations warrant medical attention. Knowing when to consult a healthcare professional is crucial for proper management and prevention of complications.
Red Flags Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Seek immediate medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms along with fever and chills:
- Severe headache or neck stiffness
- Confusion or altered mental state
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Seizures
- Unusual skin rash, especially if it’s purple or bruise-like
Other Situations Requiring Medical Consultation
Consider contacting your healthcare provider if:
- Your fever is 103°F (39.4°C) or higher
- The fever lasts more than three days
- You have a weakened immune system due to medication or underlying conditions
- You’ve recently traveled to an area with known infectious disease outbreaks
- You have other chronic medical conditions that may be affected by fever
Home Management of Fever and Chills
For mild to moderate cases of fever and chills, home management can often provide relief and support the body’s natural healing process. Implementing these strategies can help alleviate discomfort and promote recovery.
Hydration is Key
Maintaining proper hydration is crucial when dealing with fever and chills. Increased body temperature leads to more rapid fluid loss through sweating and increased metabolic rate. To combat dehydration:
- Drink plenty of clear fluids, such as water, herbal tea, or clear broths
- Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which can contribute to dehydration
- Consider oral rehydration solutions to replenish electrolytes, especially if experiencing vomiting or diarrhea
Rest and Recovery
Adequate rest is essential for the body to focus its energy on fighting the underlying infection. To promote rest and recovery:
- Get plenty of sleep
- Avoid strenuous activities
- Create a comfortable environment conducive to rest
Temperature Management
While it’s important to allow a fever to run its course to some extent, there are ways to manage discomfort:
- Use lightweight clothing and bedding to prevent overheating
- Take lukewarm baths or apply cool compresses to the forehead, wrists, and calves
- Use over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed, if needed
Medications and Treatments for Fever and Chills
While many cases of fever and chills can be managed at home, certain situations may require medication or medical intervention. Understanding the available treatments can help in making informed decisions about care.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Common over-the-counter medications used to manage fever and associated symptoms include:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Reduces fever and relieves pain
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Reduces fever, relieves pain, and decreases inflammation
- Aspirin: Reduces fever and relieves pain (not recommended for children due to risk of Reye’s syndrome)
It’s important to follow dosing instructions carefully and consult a healthcare provider if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Prescription Medications
In cases where a specific underlying cause is identified, prescription medications may be necessary:
- Antibiotics: For bacterial infections
- Antiviral medications: For certain viral infections
- Antimalarial drugs: If malaria is suspected
Other Treatments
Depending on the cause and severity of the fever and chills, other treatments may be recommended:
- Intravenous fluids: To address severe dehydration
- Cooling blankets: For dangerously high fevers
- Oxygen therapy: If respiratory issues are present
Remember, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
Prevention and Long-Term Management
While it’s not always possible to prevent fever and chills, certain strategies can reduce the risk of infections and help manage chronic conditions that may cause these symptoms.
Preventing Infections
To reduce the risk of infections that can lead to fever and chills:
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Keep your vaccinations up to date, including annual flu shots
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep
- Practice food safety by properly handling and cooking foods
Managing Chronic Conditions
For individuals with chronic conditions that may cause recurrent fever and chills:
- Follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan diligently
- Take medications as prescribed
- Attend regular check-ups and screenings
- Monitor your symptoms and report any changes to your healthcare provider
Building a Strong Immune System
A robust immune system can help combat infections more effectively. To support your immune health:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Exercise regularly
- Get adequate sleep
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices
- Consider supplements like vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, after consulting with your healthcare provider
By implementing these preventive measures and maintaining overall health, you can reduce the frequency and severity of episodes involving fever and chills. However, it’s important to remember that some instances of fever and chills are unavoidable and serve as a natural part of the body’s defense mechanism against infections.
Why Do We Get Chills With Fever?
That bizarre sensation of shivering while you’re burning up with fever is actually your body’s way of helping you recover faster.
By Kristen StewartMedically Reviewed by Justin Laube, MD
Reviewed:
Medically Reviewed
Paying close attention to your other symptoms can help you figure out the cause of your fever and the right treatment.Shutterstock; iStock
We’ve all been there: burning with fever — and shivering with chills at the same time. It turns out that what feels like an odd internal thermostat malfunction is actually a sign that your body is fighting off an infection.
The first thing to understand is that most viruses and bacteria have a hard time surviving above normal human body temperature, which can vary by age, activity, and time of day, but is generally accepted as 98.6 degrees F, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
In fact, even just a one- or two-degree hike in temperature can stop many invading microorganisms in their tracks. So it’s no wonder that over millions of years, fever evolved as a means of helping the body defend itself. “Part of our immune system’s response against infection includes raising the body’s temperature to diminish the ability of microbes to reproduce,” explains Amesh Adalja, MD, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Baltimore.
What Makes You Feel Colder When Your Body Is Hotter?
It’s actually a normal physiological response. As soon as your brain shifts its internal thermostat to a higher set point to fight off an infection, the rest of your body goes to work trying to generate extra heat to meet that higher temperature goal. Suddenly, you’re technically below your new “ideal” core temperature, so you feel cold.
Feeling chilled then prompts you to start shivering and even shaking “as your body tries to generate heat to raise your temperature by making your muscles contract,” explains Nate Favini, MD, medical director of the nationwide healthcare system Forward.
How Long Do Fever and Chills Last in Adults?
The length of a fever — and any accompanying chills — can vary significantly depending on its cause. “In some cases with a mild viral illness, a fever can last for a day, or it can last for weeks to months with systemic infections,” says Dr. Adalja.
The best thing to do is play detective to determine the source of your fever based on other signs and symptoms of your illness, he says. Possible causes abound, including colds and the flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, appendicitis, gastroenteritis, mononucleosis, ear infections, sinus infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
While fevers are usually caused by viruses, other conditions that can spike your temperature include certain inflammatory disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease, as well as cancer and blood clots (deep vein thrombosis). Even certain medication such as penicillin, sulfa drugs, and antipsychotics can trigger a fever, as can some illegal drugs such as cocaine, according to the Merck Manual.
What Should You Do When You Have the Chills and Fever?
Fevers in adults and the chills that go hand in hand generally resolve within a few days, note Mayo Clinic experts. If your temperature is mildly elevated — between 100 degrees F and 102 degrees F — and you have no other worrisome symptoms (see below), simply rest and drink plenty of fluids to keep from becoming dehydrated.
However, even though you feel cold on the outside, you should keep clothing and blankets light to prevent overheating because inside your body is very hot, say experts at UPMC/University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
If your temperature hits 103 degrees F, Mayo Clinic experts advise you to contact your doctor. Per the Merck Manual, you should also consult him or her if:
- You have a serious medical condition that could make a moderate fever more dangerous, such as a heart or lung disorder
- A fever lasts more than 24–48 hours
Seek medical help immediately if anything unusual or alarming accompanies the fever and chills, such as any of these symptoms:
- A change in mental function, such as confusion
- A headache, stiff neck, or both
- Flat, small, purplish red spots on the skin, which indicate bleeding under the skin
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate or rapid breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Recent travel to an area where a serious infectious disease such as malaria is common
- Recent use of drugs that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants)
What Medication, if Any, Should I Take?
Because fever helps the body defend against infection and because a moderate fever itself is not dangerous, Mayo Clinic pros say it’s often best for otherwise healthy adults to let one run its course.
If you’re uncomfortable, however, consider taking an over-the-counter fever reducer, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or Aleve (naproxen). Follow instructions on the label precisely for proper dosage.
Also be careful not to take more than one medication containing acetaminophen, which is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter medications, including cough and cold remedies. Acetaminophen can cause serious harm to the liver if you take too much.
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Chills Information | Mount Sinai
Rigors; Shivering
Chills refers to feeling cold after being in a cold environment. The word can also refer to an episode of shivering along with paleness and feeling cold.
Fever is an important part of the body’s defense against infection. Most bacteria and viruses that cause infections in humans thrive best at 98.6 degrees F (37 degrees C). Raising the body temperature a few degrees can help the body fight the infection. In addition, a fever activates the body’s immune system to make more white blood cells, antibodies, and other infection-fighting agents.
Considerations
Chills (shivering) may occur at the start of an infection. They are most often associated with a fever. Chills are caused by rapid muscle contraction and relaxation. They are the body’s way of producing heat when it feels cold. Chills often predict the coming of a fever or an increase in the body’s core temperature.
Chills are an important symptom with certain diseases such as malaria.
Chills are common in young children. Children tend to develop higher fevers than adults. Even minor illness can produce high fevers in young children.
Infants tend not to develop obvious chills. However, call your health care provider about any fever in an infant 6 months or younger. Also call for fevers in infants 6 months to 1 year unless you are sure of the cause.
“Goose bumps” are not the same as chills. Goose bumps occur due to cold air. They can also be caused by strong emotions such as shock or fear. With goose bumps, the hair on the body stick up from the skin to form a layer of insulation. When you have chills, you may or may not have goose bumps.
Causes
Causes may include:
- Exposure to a cold environment
- Viral and bacterial infections
Home Care
Fever (which can accompany chills) is the body’s natural response to a variety of conditions, such as infections. If the fever is mild, 102°F (38.8°C) or less, with no side effects, you do not need to see a provider for treatment. You can treat the problem at home by drinking lots of fluids and getting plenty of rest.
Evaporation cools the skin and reduces body temperature. Sponging with lukewarm water, about 70°F (21.1°C), may help reduce a fever. Cold water may increase the fever as it can trigger chills.
Medicines such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen are helpful in fighting a fever and chills.
DO NOT bundle up in blankets if you have a high temperature. DO NOT use fans or air conditioners either. These measures will only make the chills worse and may even cause the fever to rise.
HOME CARE FOR A CHILD
If the child’s temperature is causing the child to be uncomfortable, give pain-relieving tablets or liquid. Non-aspirin pain-relievers such as acetaminophen are recommended. Ibuprofen may also be used. Follow the dosage guidelines on the package label.
Note: DO NOT give aspirin to treat fever in a child younger than 19 years old because of the risk for Reye syndrome.
Other things to help the child feel more comfortable include:
- Dress the child in light clothing, provide liquids, and keep the room cool but not uncomfortable.
- DO NOT use ice water or rubbing alcohol baths to reduce a child’s temperature. These can cause shivering and even shock.
- DO NOT bundle a child with a fever in blankets.
- DO NOT wake a sleeping child to give medicine or take a temperature. Rest is more important.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call the provider if:
- Symptoms such as stiffness of the neck, confusion, irritability, or sluggishness are present.
- Chills are accompanied by a bad cough, shortness of breath, abdominal pain or burning, or frequent urination.
- A child younger than 3 months has a temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) or more.
- A child 3 months to 1 year has a fever that lasts more than 24 hours.
- The fever remains above 103°F (39.4°C) after 1 to 2 hours of home treatment.
- The fever does not improve after 3 days, or has lasted more than 5 days.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The provider will take your medical history and perform a physical exam.
You may be asked questions such as:
- Is it only a cold feeling? Are you actually shaking?
- What has been the highest body temperature connected with the chills?
- Did the chills happen only once, or are there many separate episodes?
- How long does each attack last (for how many hours)?
- Did chills occur within 4 to 6 hours after exposure to something that you or your child is allergic to?
- Did chills begin suddenly? Do they occur repeatedly? How often (how many days between episodes of chills)?
- What other symptoms are present?
The physical exam will include the skin, eyes, ears, nose, throat, neck, chest, and abdomen. Body temperature will likely be checked.
Tests that may be ordered include:
- Blood (CBC or blood differential) and urine tests (such as urinalysis)
- Blood culture
- Sputum culture
- Urine culture
- X-ray of the chest
Treatment depends on how long the chills and accompanying symptoms (especially fever) have lasted.
American Academy of Pediatrics website. Fever. www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/fever/Pages/default.aspx. Accessed February 6, 2023.
Hall JE, Hall ME. Body temperature regulation and fever. In: Hall JE, Hall ME, eds. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 74.
Leggett JE. Approach to fever or suspected infection in the normal host. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 264.
Nield LS, Kamat D. Fever. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 201.
Last reviewed on: 2/2/2023
Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Chapter 2. Fever and chills
Fever is an increase in body temperature as a result of changes in the thermoregulatory center of the hypothalamus. Although the temperature is considered normal up to 37 ° C, its maximum values are from 37.2 “C at 6 am to 37.7 “C at 4 pm. serve as cytokines. There are few symptoms in clinical medicine that have the same diagnostic value as fever. Hyperthermia without fever occurs when the body cannot adequately give off the heat it produces (for example, when the ambient temperature rises) or under the influence of medications (neuroleptic malignant syndrome, malignant hyperthermia).
True fever results from infection, immune disorders, vasculitis or thrombosis, infarction, trauma, granulomatous disease (sarcoidosis), colitis, tumor (especially Hodgkin’s disease, lymphoma, leukemia, renal carcinoma, hepatoma) or acute disorders metabolism (thyroid crisis, adrenal crisis).
Clinical picture
Feverish patients report myalgia, arthralgia, anorexia and drowsiness. Most of them have chills and chilliness. With tremendous chills, severe fever, piloerection and trembling occur, the patient’s teeth chatter. Activation of heat loss mechanisms leads to sweating. Mental status abnormalities, including delirium and seizures, are more common in very young, very old, or debilitated patients.
Diagnosis
The clinical picture should be carefully evaluated. They study in detail the anamnesis, the patient’s life history, his trips, heredity. Next, a detailed functional examination of the patient is carried out, repeating it. They perform laboratory tests, including a clinical blood test with the necessary detail (plasmocytes, toxic granularity, etc.), as well as a study of pathological fluid (pleural, articular). Other tests: ESR, urinalysis, determination of the functional activity of the liver, blood cultures for sterility, urine, sputum and feces (for microflora). Special research methods include X-ray, MRI, CT (to detect abscesses), radionuclide studies. If non-invasive research methods do not allow making a diagnosis, a biopsy of the organ tissue is performed, bone marrow puncture is advisable in patients with anemia.
Fever of unspecified origin (FUN)
Diagnosis is made when the body temperature rises above 38.3 ° C several times for more than 2 weeks, and the cause cannot be determined a week after hospitalization or after three visits to the patient. Most often, such a fever is associated with an infection, tumor, CBST, or vasculitis. Other causes: drugs, granulomatosis, UC, PE A, sham, Mediterranean fever, erythema multiforme, Behçet’s syndrome, Fabry disease, Whipple’s disease. It is unlikely that LDL lasting more than 6 months is associated with infection. If no cause can be found, the prognosis is usually good.
Treatment
High fever (above 41°C) should be treated with antipyretics and cooling by wiping the body with a damp sponge. Low or low fever may not be treated, except in situations such as febrile convulsions in children, pregnancy, cardiopulmonary and brain disorders. Paracetamol (650 mg) every 3 hours during the day is effective in the treatment of most cases of fever. The advantage of the drug is that it does not mask the symptoms of inflammation (which may suggest the cause of the fever), does not impair platelet function, and does not cause Reye’s syndrome in children. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin have anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. NSAIDs are especially appropriate for fever caused by a tumor. Specific therapy is determined by the reliability of the diagnosis. Antimicrobial therapy may be tried if bacterial sepsis is suspected. Immunocompromised adult patients with gram-positive infection can be treated with various antibiotics, including imipenem, ticarcillin, or clavulanate, third-generation cephalosporins (ceftazidime, etc.). Patients with neutropenia and fever should be treated empirically with a combination of aminoglycoside + anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa, imipenem (thienam), or ceftazidime (the latter two as monotherapy). In other pathological conditions, if rickettsiosis is suspected, a bacterial infection in a patient with a removed spleen, typhoid syndrome, trial empirical therapy is indicated until a specific diagnosis is established.
Severe cold and flu chills: main causes and treatment
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Severe chills, main causes and treatment
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Severe chills, main causes and treatment
May 28, 2023
792 033
7 minutes
9006 0 Author, editor and medical expert
Klimovich Elina Valerievna
Editor
Harutyunyan Mariam Harutyunovna
Contents:
- Causes
- Why does chills appear without fever?
- How to deal with chills
- Can chills be prevented?
- References
Contents of the article Causes Why does chills appear without fever? What to do with chills Can chills be prevented? References
Chills in an adult occur due to spasm of the superficial vessels of the skin and are accompanied by trembling, in which individual muscle fibers begin to contract, and a feeling of goosebumps due to contraction of the muscles that raise the hairs on the arms and legs. At the same time, a person feels cold, tries to wrap himself in a blanket or curl up. In this way the body tries to warm up 4.5 .
Causes
Most often, chills are observed against the background of fever 3 , which accompanies almost all infectious diseases 4 is a universal reaction of the organism 4 . When microbes and viruses penetrate into it, the body “protects itself” by raising the body temperature 2.3 .
Since more heat is generated during muscle contractions 6 , it means that the more pronounced the chill, the higher the body temperature 2 . Light chilling is characteristic of 38 – 39 0 C, “teeth chattering” and severe trembling – for fever in the range of 39 0 – 40 0 C. Terrific chills, covering the whole body, occur at temperatures above 40 0 C 3.6 .
Chilliness and fever may occur in various infectious diseases, such as colds, influenza 3 or when a focus of purulent inflammation forms in any organ, for example, in the heart, kidneys, pleura, lungs or veins 7 . Symptoms are caused by pyrogens, or substances that can affect the thermoregulatory center in the brain. Pyrogens can be biologically active substances that secrete bacteria, viruses and other pathogens 3 .
Sometimes it is not infectious agents that act as pyrogens, but substances that are formed in the body itself during tissue damage and decay – inflammation, bruises, hemorrhages 2.3 .
Even if you feel cold, trembling in the body, and the thermometer shows a temperature above 37 0 C, the cause may not be inflammation or even an infection, but the following conditions:
- Nervous strain. With neurocirculatory dystonia (neurosis), chills often begin in the evening or at night. It can be provoked by emotional stress 16 .
- Hormonal imbalance. Chilling in women on the background of elevated temperature (37-38 0 C) is a frequent sign of menopause 3.7 or premenstrual syndrome 18 .
- Diseases of the blood. Symptoms resembling infectious fever with shivering may be a sign of hemolytic anemia or lymphoma 14 .
- Hyperthermia. Overheating of the body occurs after intense physical overstrain, if the ambient temperature is above 26.7 0 C 14 . Under such conditions, heat transfer is disturbed, and excess heat accumulates in the body 5 . Overheating affects athletes participating in competitions in a country with an unusual climate, while not observing the correct drinking regimen, as well as people suffering from obesity 14 .
What causes chills without fever?
Chilling can also occur against the background of normal and even low body temperature 1,2,14 . During hypothermia – for example, during a long stay in the cold or immersion in cold water, 1.2 – the vessels constrict so that the body does not lose heat. For example, trained swimmers with enough body fat to retain heat typically don’t feel shivering in cold water. But thin people with low levels of physical activity in similar conditions quickly lose blood circulation, develop severe trembling, turning into chills, and body temperature may even drop 14 .
Other causes of chills without fever include:
- hypoglycemia – low blood glucose – in patients with diabetes 9 ;
- hypothyroidism – deficiency of thyroid hormones 15 ;
- hypertensive crisis – a sharp and significant rise in blood pressure 8 .
Shaking without fever may occur if there is a long period of time between taking antipyretic drugs. These drugs quickly bring down the temperature, but if they are used incorrectly, a side effect sometimes occurs – muscle contraction, that is, trembling in the body. To avoid such phenomena, consult a specialist, he will tell you how to take antipyretics correctly 14 .
What to do in case of chills
In case of hypothermia, it is enough to warm up – put on warm clothes, drink hot tea or milk 1 . If, with flu or a cold, against the background of fever (above 38 0 C) and chills, the state of health worsens, the legs and hands become cold, and the skin is “marbled”, it is likely that the body temperature will rise, which means that measures need to be taken 2 ,10 . First of all, consult a doctor in a clinic or call a doctor at home.
To alleviate unpleasant symptoms, when chills appear:
- Wrap yourself in a blanket and keep warm. No need to be afraid that the temperature will start to rise even faster. The body does not lose its ability to resist external heat during fever 2 .
- Wipe the body with warm water at a temperature of 41 0 C and above. Evaporating from the surface of the skin, the water will remove heat and contribute to its gradual cooling. But remember that you can not wipe the skin with cold water: sudden cooling causes even greater muscle and vascular spasm, increases chills and accelerates the rise in temperature 10 . Antipyretic 10 should be taken 30 minutes before the rubdown.
If you rub down without taking an antipyretic, chills may appear – due to trembling in the body, the temperature will rise again 17 .
RINZASIP® with vitamin C
To combat fever and other symptoms of colds (ARVI) and flu, paracetamol-based preparations are intended, for example, the combined RINZA® and RINZASIP®, which can be used by adults and adolescents from 15 years of age, and RINZASIP ® for children from 6 years old 11 .12 .
- RINZA® tablets contain paracetamol, phenylephrine, chlorphenamine and caffeine. The drug is ready for action 10 minutes after taking 13 , reduces muscle and joint pain, reduces fever 11 . RINZA® also facilitates breathing in case of swelling of the airways, helps to reduce sore throat, itching of the eyes and nose 11 .
- RINZASIP® drink powders with vitamin C, in addition to paracetamol, phenylephrine, pheniramine and caffeine, contain ascorbic acid. RINZASIP® with vitamin C in orange, lemon or blackcurrant flavor reduces cold symptoms and improves body resistance 12 .
Attention! You can take antipyretic drugs for no more than 5 days 11.12 . If fever, trembling and coldness persist or recur, a specialist should be consulted to find out the cause of this condition 4 .
Can chills be prevented?
To avoid the occurrence of this symptom, it is necessary first of all to act on its causes – to avoid situations in which it occurs, for example, hypothermia or training in conditions of high air temperature 14 . It is also important to strengthen the immune system and start treating a cold at its first symptoms. If chilliness is not associated with a cold and occurs periodically 8,14,16 , you should consult a doctor in a timely manner to prevent a new attack. Indeed, in such cases, chills can be a signal that the body gives in various chronic diseases 2 .