Chills but no fever: could it be coronavirus?

Chills without a measured fever can occur with coronavirus, but chills alone cannot confirm COVID-19; test and monitor for other symptoms. Chills may feel like shivering, shaking, or an unusual sense of cold. A fever can develop later, remain mild, or be absent, and a single temperature reading may not reflect how your illness changes over time.

COVID-19 is one possible explanation for chills, especially when they occur with cough, sore throat, headache, fatigue, changes in smell or taste, or a generally unwell feeling. Other infections can also cause shivering, and non-infectious triggers include exposure to cold, anxiety, low blood sugar, dehydration, or some medicines. The absence of fever does not rule COVID-19 in or out.

Consider when the chills started and whether you have had close contact with someone who is ill. A rapid test may be useful, but an early negative result does not always settle the question. Follow the test instructions and seek medical advice about whether repeat testing or another test is appropriate.

Rest, drink fluids, and keep comfortably warm without overheating. Check your temperature if you feel hot, cold, or shivery, and note new symptoms such as cough, breathlessness, vomiting, or worsening tiredness. Until you know whether an infection is present, reduce close contact with others, improve ventilation, and use a well-fitting mask around people at higher risk.

If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, are older, or take medicines that affect immunity, contact a clinician early if COVID-19 is possible because treatment decisions can depend on timing and personal risk. Do not start antibiotics unless a clinician prescribes them; they do not treat viral infections.

Seek urgent medical help for difficulty breathing, persistent pressure or pain in the chest, new confusion, unusual difficulty staying awake, blue or grey lips or skin, or a sudden severe deterioration. Do not wait for a fever before seeking help.

Arrange medical advice if chills keep returning, you cannot keep fluids down, you are passing very little urine, symptoms are worsening rather than settling, or you have a new cough with chest pain or breathlessness. These features can occur with a more serious infection, including pneumonia, and need assessment based on your examination and oxygen level.

You could ask: Should I repeat a COVID-19 test? Which symptoms should prompt same-day care? Could my medicines or another condition explain the chills? Do I need an examination or oxygen check? When can I safely return to work, school, exercise, or close contact with others?