What should you know about chills and headache?

A common cold, COVID-19, or sinus inflammation can produce headache alongside feeling cold or shivery. Dehydration may cause a headache with thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, or dizziness. Heat exhaustion can cause headache, weakness, sweating, and nausea after heat or exertion. Allergic rhinitis can create sinus pressure but does not usually cause a true fever. Anxiety can bring trembling and a racing awareness of the heartbeat.

Record your temperature, fluid intake, recent heat exposure, congestion, cough, and any travel or sick contacts. The timing of each symptom is useful when deciding whether an examination or testing is needed.

Rest somewhere cool and quiet. Sip water or an oral rehydration drink if you have been sweating, vomiting, or having diarrhoea. Eat small, simple meals if tolerated. Reduce screen brightness and avoid driving if dizziness or severe headache is present. Take only medicines suitable for you and follow the label; a pharmacist can check combinations and medical conditions.

Do not force fluids if you are repeatedly vomiting. Arrange medical advice if the headache is unusual for you, keeps worsening, or does not improve with rest and hydration.

Get emergency help for a sudden severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, fainting, seizure, weakness on one side, trouble speaking, breathing difficulty, or a rash that does not fade when pressed. Seek prompt care after heat exposure if you become confused or cannot drink. A persistent fever, worsening facial pain, or symptoms after travel may also need clinician review.

Ask: Could this be infection, dehydration, heat illness, or sinus inflammation? Do I need testing? Which fluids and pain relief are safe for me? What symptoms should trigger emergency care?