Chills
Chills are a sensation of feeling cold accompanied by shivering, often associated with fever. They occur when the body is trying to raise its temperature in response to infections or other medical conditions. Chills may range from mild to severe and can indicate underlying illness.
⚠️ When to Seek Medical Advice
Consult a doctor if you experience:
- High fever with severe chills
- Chills lasting more than 2–3 days
- Confusion or severe weakness
- Chills with persistent vomiting or dehydration
📞 Monitoring & Risk Factors
Monitoring is recommended if:
- You have recurrent fever episodes
- You live in areas with infectious diseases (e.g., malaria)
- You have a weakened immune system
- You recently had surgery or infection
Common Symptoms & Possible Causes
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Shivering with fever | Viral or bacterial infection |
| Intermittent chills | Malaria or parasitic infection |
| Chills without fever | Cold exposure or anemia |
| Chills with sweating | Infection or hormonal imbalance |
| Severe chills with weakness | Sepsis or serious systemic infection |
Possible Causes
Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections such as influenza, malaria, and pneumonia are common causes of chills.
Chills occur when the body raises its temperature set-point to fight infection, leading to shivering and cold sensation.
Exposure to cold weather or sudden temperature changes can cause chills without underlying illness.
Diagnostic Tests
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Detects infection, inflammation, or anemia.
Blood Culture
Identifies bacteria in the bloodstream in suspected sepsis.
Malaria Test
Detects malaria parasites in blood samples.
Urinalysis
Identifies urinary tract infections causing fever and chills.
