Chills after diarrhoea: what to know

Diarrhoea removes water and salts, which can leave you weak, cold, or shaky. Chills may also occur when the immune system responds to an infection affecting the gut or another part of the body. The sequence does not identify the cause by itself. Ask about fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, blood in stool, urinary burning, cough, travel, insect exposure, and sick contacts. Depending on the setting and symptoms, clinicians may consider illnesses such as a urinary tract infection, kidney infection, influenza, malaria, or dengue fever as well as a gastrointestinal infection.

Rest in a comfortable environment and take frequent small sips of water or oral rehydration fluid. Continue gentle fluids even if appetite is low, and return to simple foods when tolerated. Measure your temperature if possible and note urine frequency, stool changes, vomiting, and the time chills began. Wash hands thoroughly and avoid preparing food for others while diarrhoea continues. Do not self-start antibiotics or anti-malarial medicine; the appropriate treatment depends on the cause and travel history.

Get urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, trouble breathing, blue or clammy skin, severe abdominal pain, blood in stool, or very little urine. Chills with a high temperature, a rapidly worsening illness, or a new rash require prompt assessment. Seek same-day advice after travel to a malaria area, after a tick or mosquito exposure with illness, or when vomiting prevents drinking. Sepsis is a medical emergency; sudden deterioration with an infection should never be watched at home.

Ask whether dehydration or infection is more likely, whether stool or blood testing is needed, and how much oral rehydration fluid to take. Tell the clinician about travel, medicines, chronic illness, pregnancy, urinary symptoms, and any measured temperature.