Chills and aches without fever

A thermometer reading can be normal even when your body is beginning an illness or when symptoms have another cause. Influenza, dengue fever, malaria, a urinary tract infection, or a kidney infection can present with chills; each condition has other clues that help guide assessment. Muscle aches may also follow exertion, poor sleep, stress, or fluid loss. Notice when symptoms began, whether they come in waves, and whether cough, breathlessness, pain when passing urine, rash, vomiting, or travel exposure is present.

Rest, keep comfortably warm, and drink fluids unless a clinician has told you to restrict them. Check your temperature again if you feel worse, and record medicines, recent travel, insect bites, sick contacts, and new symptoms. Avoid strenuous activity and alcohol while you recover. Do not start antibiotics or antimalarial treatment without medical advice.

Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, trouble breathing, blue or clammy skin, a severe headache, stiff neck, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange prompt medical assessment for worsening chills, a new fever, persistent aches, a spreading rash, severe abdominal or back pain, or symptoms after travel to a malaria-risk area. Sepsis can worsen quickly, so sudden deterioration needs emergency care.

Could an infection explain these symptoms even without fever? Which examination or tests fit my symptoms and travel history? How should I monitor my temperature and hydration?