Frequent chills: what to know

Chills are sensations of cold with shivering or trembling. They can happen before or during a fever as the body adjusts its internal temperature. Influenza and pneumonia commonly present with chills alongside fever, cough or body aches. A urinary tract infection or kidney infection may cause chills with burning urination, frequent urination or pain in the side. Malaria, dengue fever and other infections are considerations after relevant travel or exposure. Sepsis is a medical emergency that can develop from infection and may involve confusion, severe weakness or rapid breathing.

Check your temperature if possible and write down when the chills begin, how long they last and which symptoms accompany them. Rest, drink fluids if you can keep them down and use light layers rather than heavy overheating. Consider recent travel, sick contacts, insect bites, urinary symptoms, cough and new medicines. Arrange medical advice when chills keep returning, fever persists, or you have a condition or treatment that lowers immune protection.

Seek emergency help for chills with confusion, difficulty breathing, fainting, severe weakness, blue or mottled skin, a stiff neck, a severe headache or inability to keep fluids down. Get prompt assessment for a very high or persistent fever, new rash, severe abdominal or back pain, or symptoms after travel to a malaria area. A person who appears rapidly or seriously unwell should not wait for chills to pass.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest a respiratory, urinary or travel-related infection and whether you need examination or testing. Share temperature readings, travel dates, insect exposure, vaccination history, medicines, urinary changes and breathing symptoms. Ask what changes should prompt immediate reassessment.