What should you know about bone chills?

Bones do not usually become cold in isolation. People use this phrase for shivering, goosebumps, or an ache that feels deep inside. Chills can happen as the body adjusts its temperature, before or during a fever, after exposure to cold, or during a stress response.

Infection is one possible cause. Influenza, pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, kidney infection, malaria, or dengue fever can present with chills alongside other symptoms. Chills can also occur in serious infection such as sepsis; the symptom by itself cannot identify the cause.

Check your temperature if possible and note when the chills began, whether they come in waves, and any cough, sore throat, pain when urinating, rash, vomiting, or recent travel. Rest, sip fluids, and use light layers rather than overheating yourself. Take only medicines suitable for you and follow the label. Contact a clinician if chills keep returning or accompany fever, pain, or worsening illness.

Get emergency help for chills with confusion, severe breathlessness, blue or mottled skin, fainting, severe weakness, a rapidly worsening condition, or very little urine. Seek prompt assessment for a high or persistent fever, stiff neck, severe headache, severe abdominal or back pain, or chills after travel to a malaria-risk area. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immunity may need earlier advice.

Ask: Could my symptoms fit a respiratory, urinary, or travel-related infection? Do I need an examination or testing? Which fever medicines are safe with my conditions? What changes should prompt urgent help?