What should you know about fever, aches and chills?

Chills may happen as your body tries to raise its temperature, while aches can come from immune-system activity and muscle tension during shivering. Influenza, dengue fever, malaria, pneumonia, a kidney infection or a urinary tract infection can each present with fever and related symptoms. Sepsis is a serious response to infection that may include confusion, fast breathing or marked weakness. The combination alone cannot identify the cause.

Rest, drink frequent small amounts of fluid, and use a thermometer if available so you can describe the pattern. Wear light clothing and avoid strenuous activity. Ask a pharmacist or clinician which fever medicine is suitable for you, especially if you are pregnant, have liver or kidney disease, take blood-thinning medicine, or are considering treatment for possible dengue. Keep a note of new symptoms, recent travel, insect bites, sick contacts and medicines taken.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, new confusion, a seizure, severe weakness, a stiff neck, severe headache, repeated vomiting, inability to drink, very little urine, unusual bleeding or a rapidly worsening illness. Arrange prompt medical assessment when fever persists, returns after improving, or occurs after travel to a malaria-risk area. Children, older adults and people with weakened immunity may need earlier advice.

Ask what causes fit your symptoms and travel history, whether you need urine or blood tests, which medicines are safe, and what change should trigger urgent reassessment.