What should you know about body chills and fever?

A rising temperature can trigger shivering because the body temporarily resets its internal target, so you may feel cold before or during a fever. Influenza and COVID-19 can cause this combination with cough, tiredness, or headache. Dengue fever and malaria may also present with fever and chills, especially when travel or local exposure is relevant. Kidney infection or pneumonia can add back or chest symptoms. Urinary tract infection may cause fever with urinary discomfort. The combination does not reveal the cause on its own.

Rest, drink frequent small amounts of fluid, wear breathable layers, and check your temperature with the same device when you recheck it. Avoid strenuous activity and alcohol while unwell. Use fever medicine only if it is suitable for you and take it exactly as directed. Write down fever readings, chills, new symptoms, medicines, and recent travel so a clinician can assess the course.

Get emergency help for confusion, difficulty breathing, fainting, severe dehydration, a stiff neck, a seizure, or a purple or rapidly spreading rash. Arrange same-day medical advice for persistent fever with repeated chills, severe headache, chest or flank pain, painful urination, ongoing vomiting, or recent travel where malaria is possible.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest a respiratory, urinary, or travel-related infection; whether testing is needed; which fever treatments are safe; and what change should trigger reassessment.