Does dengue fever cause chills?

Chills can feel like shivering, trembling or waves of cold even when the skin feels warm. With dengue fever they may occur alongside a high temperature, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle or joint aches, nausea, vomiting or a rash. Symptoms can vary, and chills alone do not identify the infection.

Dengue is spread by infected mosquitoes. Recent travel or residence in an area where dengue occurs, together with fever and body aches, is useful information for a clinician. Other infections can cause similar symptoms, so assessment may be needed.

If fever and chills could be dengue, contact a healthcare professional promptly, particularly after mosquito exposure in an affected area. Rest, drink fluids in small frequent amounts and check your temperature. Use paracetamol only as directed by a clinician or package instructions; avoid aspirin and ibuprofen until dengue has been excluded because they can increase bleeding risk.

Use mosquito protection while unwell so mosquitoes are less likely to spread infection to others. Keep a record of fever, vomiting, pain, rash, bleeding and fluid intake.

Seek emergency help for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, vomiting blood, black stools, breathing difficulty, extreme weakness, fainting, confusion or inability to drink. Warning signs can appear as fever settles, so continue watching symptoms and do not rely on temperature alone.

Ask whether your symptoms and travel or mosquito exposure warrant dengue testing, which pain medicines are safe, how much fluid to take, and which warning signs require immediate return. Mention pregnancy, childhood or older age, and any bleeding or long-term medical condition.