Chills and no appetite: what they may mean and what to do

Chills are a sensation of cold or shaking that may happen as the body responds to infection, a changing temperature, or physical stress. Reduced appetite can occur when illness affects digestion or makes you feel generally unwell. Influenza, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, kidney infection, malaria, and dengue fever can each present with chills among other symptoms; a condition does not follow from the symptom alone. Sepsis is a serious response to infection that can cause marked illness and needs urgent assessment.

Notice associated features: cough or breathlessness can point toward a chest illness; burning urine or side pain may suggest a urinary source; recent travel can matter when malaria or dengue is possible. Vomiting, diarrhoea, dry mouth, or very little urine raise concern about dehydration.

Take your temperature if you can, record when the chills began, and note fluids, urine output, pain, cough, bowel symptoms, and recent travel. Rest in a comfortable room and use light layers rather than overheating yourself. Sip water or an oral rehydration drink; small, frequent amounts may be easier than a full glass. Choose simple foods when able, but do not force meals. Avoid sharing utensils if a respiratory infection is possible, and ask a pharmacist before taking medicines if you have kidney disease, are pregnant, or use regular prescriptions.

Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, severe weakness, a seizure, or skin that is cold and clammy. Arrange prompt medical assessment for persistent shaking, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, severe abdominal or side pain, or a rapidly worsening illness. If chills follow travel to a malaria-risk area, contact a clinician promptly even if the temperature is normal. People who are older, immunocompromised, or living with a major long-term condition should seek advice earlier.

Ask which symptoms make infection more likely, whether you need urine or blood tests, how to replace fluids safely, and which medicines are suitable with your health conditions. Mention travel, sick contacts, new medicines, and the exact timing of the chills and appetite change.