Chills are the sensation of feeling cold or shivery. This can happen if a person’s environment is too cold or if they have a medical condition, such as an infection.
Chills, shivering, and goosebumps are all steps that the body takes to raise its internal temperature. The origin of chills can be physical, psychological, or both.
In this article, learn about the possible causes of chills, as well as some home remedies, treatment options, and when to see a doctor.
Many things can cause chills. Cold external temperatures can result in feeling cold and shivery, but chills that happen for other reasons could be due to:
- Infections: If chills occur alongside fever, body aches, headaches, or a runny or stuffy nose, it could indicate that the body is fighting an infection, such as colds, flu, or COVID-19.
- Low blood sugar: Chills can be a symptom of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Other symptoms include shaking, feeling hungry, nausea, anxiety, or irritability. If it becomes more serious, people may experience confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
- Emotional reactions: Some people may experience chills or goosebumps when they feel powerful emotions, such as fear, stress, or even joy. Sometimes, people have these chills in response to art, science, or religious experiences. Scientists call them aesthetic chills.
- Menopause: Menopause occurs when people who menstruate stop having periods. During the transition to menopause, people often experience hot flashes, but it can also cause people to feel cold.
- Autoimmune conditions: Autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can also cause fever or chills.
- Cancer: Chills, fever, night sweats, and fatigue can all be symptoms of cancers such as leukemia.
- Medications: Some drugs can affect body temperature or body temperature regulation, which may result in feeling hot or cold.
Other conditions that may cause a person to feel colder than usual include:
Is it COVID-19?
Chills are one of the
For this reason, people who are unsure what is causing their chills should follow their local authority’s instructions for COVID-19 testing. Until the results are available, avoid close contact with others, especially:
- older adults
- pregnant people
- those with chronic conditions or weaker immune systems
While COVID-19 is often mild, it can cause more serious symptoms, especially in these vulnerable groups.
There is also a risk of long COVID, which is when COVID-19 symptoms persist after the initial infection. Long COVID can affect anyone.
This is why it is important to continue monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms and taking steps to prevent the spread of infection. The COVID-19 vaccine can help reduce the risk of severe illness.
Try our quiz below to see whether the symptoms a person is experiencing and their medical history suggests they should contact a doctor.
If a person is experiencing persistent chills, a doctor can diagnose the underlying cause. To do so, they may:
- review a person’s vital signs by taking their blood pressure, pulse, and body temperature readings
- take a medical history, covering preexisting conditions, travel history, medications, and other medical treatments
- ask about other symptoms, such as coughing, digestive issues, rashes, or other concerns
- conduct a physical examination, covering key areas such as the eyes, ears, nose, throat, neck, and abdomen
Doctors may also conduct additional tests — such as chest X-rays, blood tests, and urine cultures — if they suspect a particular underlying condition.
Treatment for chills largely depends on what is causing them.
Infections
If chills occur due to a mild infection, rest could be all that is necessary. Many common viral infections pass on their own. People can cope with chills by wearing layers, keeping warm, or trying over-the-counter cold or flu medications.
Other infections, such as urinary tract infections, ear infections, or sinus infections, can be bacterial and may require antibiotics. Antibiotics will not work for viruses such as colds or flu.
Hypoglycemia
For hypoglycemia, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that people with diabetes consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates and then retake their blood sugar measurement after 15 minutes.
If it is below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), have another 15 grams of carbohydrates. When blood sugar levels are over 70 mg/dL, people should eat a meal or a snack containing carbohydrates and protein.
Other treatments
Depending on the cause, other treatments for chills may include:
- trying lifestyle changes or hormone therapy for menopause symptoms
- reviewing medications to determine if they could be causing chills
- treating other underlying conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or cancer
If a person has chills due to a mild or temporary illness, they may be able to recover at home. Home remedies for chills that might help ease discomfort include:
- dressing warmly
- using heating pads or blankets
- drinking warm beverages, such as tea or broth
- resting
- staying hydrated
If chills alternate with a fever or a person has a high temperature despite feeling cold, it may also help to:
- wear layers they can easily take off or put back on
- wearing breathable materials, such as cotton
- take OTC fever-reducing medication, such as acetaminophen
For those with diabetes, managing blood sugar levels and eating the right amount of carbohydrates for a person’s physical activity is essential for preventing hypoglycemia.
People should contact a doctor if they have a fever, chills, or both, and it:
- is not getting better
- does not respond to fever-reducing medications
- gets better and comes back again
The National Health Service (NHS) states that even if a thermometer gives a typical temperature reading, a person may still have a fever if they feel hot or shivery.
Doctors usually define a fever as a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or above, but this can vary depending on the individual.
People with chronic health concerns — such as kidney, heart, or lung disease — should also contact a doctor as soon as possible if they notice chills or a fever.
Seek immediate medical care if a person develops any of the following symptoms:
- a stiff neck
- a rash that does not disappear when a person presses a glass to the skin
- a wound that is swollen or oozing pus
- a very rapid heartbeat
- difficulty breathing
- fast or shallow breathing
- chest pain or pressure
- a blue tinge to the lips or fingernails
- confusion
- seizures
- lethargy or difficulty staying awake
- any fever in a child under
12 weeks oldTrusted Source
Below are answers to some common questions about chills.
People can have chills with no fever or difference in body temperature for various reasons, including low blood sugar, stress or intense emotions, or medical conditions such as hypothyroidism.
Yes, strong emotions such as anxiety or fear can cause a person to feel cold, or to have goosebumps or chills.
Potentially, yes. Water plays a role in body temperature regulation, so not having enough may cause a person to feel hot or cold.
Chills can also be a symptom of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Heatstroke is an emergency.
Chills can occur when the body is fighting off an infection, not getting enough glucose, or is simply too cold.
They may also be a symptom of an underlying illness. Anyone with frequent or persistent chills should speak to a doctor.
