What should you know about heat chills?

Shivering is a way the body produces heat when its internal temperature is changing. A person may feel cold while the surrounding air is warm, particularly when a fever is rising or sweat is evaporating from the skin. Chills can accompany influenza, pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, kidney infection, malaria, or dengue fever. They can also happen after prolonged heat exposure when fluid loss and overheating disturb normal temperature control.

Notice whether you have a measured fever, heavy sweating, thirst, headache, cough, breathing trouble, pain when urinating, rash, recent travel, or an insect bite. The pattern and associated symptoms matter more than the sensation alone.

Move to a comfortable, shaded or cool place and rest. Remove damp or excess clothing, sip suitable fluids, and check your temperature if you have a thermometer. Avoid strenuous activity and alcohol while you feel unwell. Do not use ice-cold immersion if you are shivering heavily; gentle cooling is easier to tolerate.

If vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, or ongoing sweating is present, dehydration may develop. Keep track of how much you drink and whether you are passing urine. Arrange a clinical assessment if chills recur, last beyond a short period, or occur with a persistent fever.

Seek urgent medical help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, a seizure, trouble breathing, chest pain, blue or grey lips, or skin that is very hot and dry. Emergency assessment is also needed if you cannot keep fluids down or are passing very little urine.

Contact a clinician promptly for repeated shaking episodes, a high or persistent fever, a new rash, severe headache, stiff neck, abdominal or back pain, or symptoms after travel to a malaria area. These features can signal an infection or heat illness requiring examination.

Could my chills be related to fever, dehydration, a medicine, or an infection? Which symptoms should prompt same-day care? Do I need an examination or tests based on my temperature, travel, and other symptoms?