Chills and cough without fever

Cough irritates the airways, while chills are a body response to cold, stress or changing temperature. Influenza and pneumonia can cause chills and cough; fever may be absent, early, treated or missed by a single reading. A dry cough after an irritant, allergy or another viral illness can also leave you feeling chilled. Kidney or urinary infections are less likely to explain cough, but may cause chills alongside pain or urinary changes.

Describe whether the cough is dry or brings up mucus, how quickly it began, and whether you have chest pain, wheeze, breathlessness, fatigue or contact with someone ill.

Rest, drink warm or cool fluids that feel comfortable, and avoid smoke, dust and strenuous activity. Improve airflow in shared spaces and consider a mask around others while you are coughing. Check your temperature again if you feel worse. A pharmacist can advise about cough relief after checking your age, medicines and health conditions. Book a review if the cough persists, chills recur, mucus changes, or normal activities become difficult.

Seek emergency help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, chest pressure, confusion, fainting, coughing blood or inability to stay awake. Get prompt medical advice for fast-worsening symptoms, sharp chest pain with breathing, dehydration, or a new cough after significant travel. Pneumonia and sepsis can worsen without a clearly measured fever, so overall condition matters more than one number.

Ask whether you need a chest examination, testing for an infection, an inhaler review, or advice about reducing transmission at home.