Chills and runny nose: causes and care

A runny nose means fluid or mucus is draining from the nasal passages. Chills may reflect the immune response to infection, but can also result from being cold. Common cold, influenza, and COVID-19 may all include a runny nose with chills or body aches. Allergic rhinitis, pet allergy, or house dust mite allergy more often causes clear drainage, sneezing, and itchy eyes without an infectious feeling. Sinusitis may bring facial pressure, blocked nose, and thicker drainage. These patterns overlap, so symptoms do not prove one condition.

Think about onset and exposure: sudden illness with aches suggests infection, while symptoms tied to dust, pets, or seasons suggest allergy. A cough, sore throat, breathing difficulty, or measured fever adds useful context.

Rest, drink fluids, and use tissues rather than repeatedly sniffing mucus back into the throat. Saline spray or a saline rinse can ease nasal irritation; prepare rinses with safe water. Wash hands, ventilate shared spaces, and limit close contact while an infection is possible. A pharmacist can advise about allergy treatment or other symptom relief, taking your age, pregnancy, blood pressure, and regular medicines into account. Avoid antibiotics unless prescribed for a diagnosed bacterial illness.

Get emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pressure, confusion, fainting, blue or grey lips, or inability to stay awake. Arrange medical review for persistent shaking, dehydration, severe facial pain, swelling around the eyes, symptoms that improve and then sharply worsen, or a cough that makes breathing difficult. Consider testing and clinical advice when exposure to COVID-19 is possible, particularly around vulnerable household members. Seek advice earlier if you have significant lung disease or reduced immunity.

Ask whether your symptoms fit a cold, influenza, COVID-19, allergy, or sinusitis; whether testing is useful; and which nasal treatment suits you. Mention symptom onset, fever readings, known allergies, sick contacts, travel, breathing changes, and any chronic conditions.