Loss of appetite and cold chills

Chills can happen as the body responds to a rising temperature, even when the room feels comfortable. Influenza, COVID-19 and stomach infections may combine chills with tiredness, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. Other clues, such as cough, sore throat, urinary symptoms, rash or abdominal pain, help narrow the possibilities. Loss of appetite is a common presentation of several illnesses; it does not show which illness you have.

Check your temperature if you can, and note when the chills began, whether they come in waves, and whether you can drink and pass urine normally. People who are pregnant, older, immunocompromised or living with significant chronic disease should seek advice sooner.

Rest, take frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink, and choose small meals when able. Wear comfortable layers rather than overheating yourself. Stay home from close contact while you feel acutely unwell and follow local testing or infection advice when relevant. Use fever medicines only as directed on the label and check with a pharmacist if you have liver, kidney or stomach problems.

Contact a clinician if chills continue, appetite remains low, fever returns, or you develop worsening cough, diarrhoea, vomiting or pain. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, a stiff neck, severe dehydration, or severe abdominal pain.

Ask whether you need testing, how to manage fever safely, which fluids or foods are suitable, and which symptoms should prompt same-day reassessment.