I feel chills: what should I know?

Your body may shiver while it is adjusting its temperature. Chills can occur before or during a fever, after cold exposure, or with illnesses such as influenza, pneumonia, dengue fever, malaria, a urinary tract infection, or a kidney infection. Some people feel chills without a measured fever. Note when they began, whether they come in waves, and any accompanying cough, painful urination, back pain, rash, headache, or muscle aches.

Rest, drink fluids if you can, and use light layers so you can add or remove warmth comfortably. Check your temperature with a thermometer and record the reading and timing. Follow label directions before taking a fever or pain medicine, and check with a pharmacist if you are pregnant, have liver or kidney disease, or take other medicines. Avoid very cold baths and do not start antibiotics without medical advice.

Seek urgent medical help for chills with confusion, severe breathing difficulty, fainting, blue or mottled skin, a stiff neck, a seizure, or feeling suddenly very unwell. Arrange prompt assessment if chills keep returning, occur with a persistent fever, severe pain, dehydration, a new rash, or symptoms after travel to a malaria area. A clinician may need to examine you and test for the cause.

Could my pattern of chills fit an infection, medicine effect, or another cause? Which temperature readings or symptoms should prompt urgent review? Do I need an examination or tests, and how should I manage fever safely?