Cold chills and body aches: what to know

Influenza and COVID-19 can present with chills, muscle aches, tiredness, headache, sore throat, or cough. Dengue fever and malaria may cause fever with pronounced aches, particularly after relevant travel or mosquito exposure. Brucellosis can be linked with prolonged fever and sweats after contact with infected animals or unpasteurised products. Fibromyalgia and Long COVID may cause ongoing aches and fatigue rather than a sudden feverish illness. An underactive thyroid can contribute to feeling unusually cold, although it does not explain every episode of shivering. Explore [Influenza](/conditions/influenza/) and [COVID-19](/conditions/covid-19/).

Rest, drink regularly, and use light layers that you can remove if you become hot. Gentle movement may help stiffness once you feel able, but avoid strenuous exercise during an acute illness. Check your temperature and write down when aches began, whether they are widespread or localised, and any cough, rash, joint swelling, or travel history. Follow the label for any over-the-counter medicine and check with a pharmacist if you are pregnant, have liver or kidney disease, or take regular medicines.

Get urgent help for trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, fainting, severe weakness, a stiff neck, or a rapidly spreading rash. Prompt assessment is also needed for severe headache, persistent vomiting, inability to drink, unusual bleeding, or feeling much worse after travel. Chills with a sudden decline can signal sepsis. Arrange a clinical review if aches persist, repeatedly return, limit movement, or occur with prolonged fever, weight change, or night sweats. See [Dengue Fever](/conditions/dengue-fever/) and [Sepsis](/conditions/sepsis/) for related concerns.

Do my symptoms fit a short-term infection or another cause? Do I need testing for COVID-19, malaria, or another infection? Which pain-relief options are suitable with my health history? When should I be reassessed?