What does chills feel like with influenza?

Influenza can begin suddenly, with chills occurring as the body temperature rises. You may shake involuntarily, feel cold under blankets or notice your teeth chattering, then sweat as the fever changes. The sensation often occurs with headache, muscle aches, marked tiredness, sore throat and a dry cough.

Chills do not identify influenza by themselves. Other infections can cause fever and shivering, so the timing, associated symptoms, exposure history and examination all matter.

Rest, drink regularly and wear comfortable layers so you can adjust to temperature changes. Stay home from close contact while feverish or feeling acutely unwell, and follow local clinical advice about returning to normal activities. Ask a clinician which fever or pain medicine is suitable, especially for a child, pregnancy, older age or a long-term condition.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, chest pain, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, severe weakness or inability to keep fluids down. Prompt assessment is also needed for a child who is unusually sleepy, a person whose symptoms improve and then sharply worsen, or anyone with a long-term condition who becomes significantly more unwell.

Do my symptoms fit influenza or another infection? Would testing change my care? Which treatment is appropriate for me? How can I reduce spread at home? Which warning signs should prompt urgent help?