Hot chills: what they may mean and what to do

You may feel flushed or unusually warm while shivering, have goosebumps, or alternate between sweating and feeling cold. A thermometer can help show whether you have a fever, but your symptoms and general condition matter too.

Chills are muscle contractions that generate heat. They can occur as the body raises its internal temperature in response to an infection. Influenza and pneumonia can include feverish chills, while a urinary tract infection or kidney infection may cause chills alongside burning urination, frequent urination, back pain, or feeling unwell.

Travel history, mosquito exposure, or a recent illness can change the possibilities. Malaria and dengue fever can both cause fever and chills and need medical assessment, particularly after travel to an area where they occur. Sepsis is a serious response to infection; sudden confusion, very fast breathing, or a markedly worsening condition are warning signs.

Rest in a comfortable room, drink fluids in small frequent amounts, and wear light layers that you can remove if you become hot. Check your temperature if possible and record when the episodes happen, along with cough, pain, urinary symptoms, rash, vomiting, or recent travel.

Avoid heavy blankets if you are overheating. Do not take leftover antibiotics or malaria medicines without clinical advice. A pharmacist or clinician can help you choose a suitable fever treatment after considering pregnancy, age, liver or kidney disease, allergies, and other medicines.

Arrange prompt medical advice if hot chills keep returning, last beyond a short illness, or occur with a high fever, worsening cough, painful urination, persistent vomiting, severe headache, or a new rash. Seek assessment after recent travel if fever and chills develop.

Get emergency help for trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, new confusion, extreme weakness, blue or grey lips, a seizure, or skin that is cold and clammy while you feel very unwell. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or confused.

Ask: Could my symptoms fit an infection, and which examination or tests would clarify the cause? Tell the clinician when the chills began, your measured temperature, medicines taken, travel or mosquito exposure, and any breathing, urinary, abdominal, or skin symptoms.