Headaches and chills: what should you know?

Chills may feel like shivering or shaking and can happen as the body responds to a rising temperature. Influenza, dengue fever, malaria, pneumonia and urinary or kidney infections are among illnesses that can include headache and chills. Dehydration, heat exposure and some medicines can also make you feel unwell. Note your temperature, when the symptoms began, travel history, mosquito exposure, cough, breathing changes, pain when passing urine, rash, vomiting and neck stiffness. These details help a clinician judge whether testing is needed.

Rest in a cool, comfortable room and take fluids in small, regular sips; oral rehydration fluid may help if you have been sweating, vomiting or passing loose stools. Dress in light layers so you can adjust as the chills settle. Follow the label for any pain or fever medicine and check with a pharmacist if you have liver disease, kidney disease, pregnancy or other medicines. Avoid strenuous activity and do not self-start antibiotics or antimalarial treatment.

Seek urgent medical help for confusion, fainting, a seizure, severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, a stiff neck, a new rash with fever, repeated vomiting, severe weakness or a sudden unusually intense headache. Get prompt assessment after travel to a malaria area, after a mosquito-borne illness concern, or if symptoms are worsening or you cannot keep fluids down. Emergency symptoms can occur even when a fever is not measured.

Ask which examinations or tests fit your symptoms, whether recent travel changes the assessment, and which fever or pain medicines are suitable for you. Bring a list of medicines and record temperature readings and symptom changes.