Whole body aches and chills

Chills are a sensation of cold with shivering or shaking, sometimes before or during a fever. They can happen with respiratory infections, stomach illnesses, and other infections. Influenza and COVID-19 may present with body aches, chills, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms, although each illness can look different from person to person.

Travel, mosquito exposure, unpasteurised dairy, animal contact, or a recent sick contact can be useful clues for a clinician. Dengue fever, malaria, and brucellosis can include feverish illness and aches, so disclose these exposures even if the symptoms first seemed mild.

Rest, sip fluids regularly, and use light clothing or a blanket according to comfort. Check your temperature if you can and make a note of when the chills began, how long they last, and what other symptoms appear. Stay home from close contact with others while you feel acutely unwell where practical.

A pharmacist can help you choose a fever or pain medicine that fits your health history. Avoid taking several products with the same active ingredient, and seek individual advice before using medicine for a child, during pregnancy, or with significant long-term illness.

Get urgent help for trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, confusion, a stiff neck, a widespread purple rash, severe dehydration, or inability to keep fluids down. Urgent assessment is also appropriate after recent travel if feverish chills and aches develop.

Contact a clinician promptly when chills recur, symptoms worsen, fever persists, or you are pregnant, immunocompromised, or caring for a very young or frail person.

Share the timing of chills, measured temperatures, cough or sore throat, stomach symptoms, rash, urinary symptoms, travel, insect bites, and contact with animals or unpasteurised foods. Ask what testing or monitoring is appropriate for your situation.