When someone develops a fever, their body often reacts in confusing ways—like feeling cold despite having a high temperature. This happens because the brain’s thermostat resets to a higher setting, tricking the body into contemplating it’s too cold. Chills and shivering kick in as muscles work to generate heat, even though the person might be burning up. Comprehending why this occurs can make the experience less unsettling, especially when symptoms seem contradictory. What follows explains the science behind it and how to find relief.
Why Fever Causes Chills
Should someone have a fever, they often feel cold and experience chills, even though the room is warm. This happens because the hypothalamus, the brain’s thermostat, raises the body’s temperature set point to help the immune system fight infection.
The body then works to reach this new, higher temperature by generating heat through shivering and muscle contractions. Even if the room is warm, the body perceives its current temperature as too low compared to the new set point, causing chills. Shivering helps produce internal heat, but it also creates that familiar cold sensation.
While uncomfortable, this response is the body’s way of supporting the immune system. The chills will usually ease once the fever stabilizes, signaling the body has adjusted to its new temperature goal.
Common Causes of Chills With Fever
Infections like the flu or COVID-19 often cause chills with fever as the body fights off the illness.
Low blood sugar can also trigger chills, even if a fever is present, particularly in people with diabetes. Some medications could produce chills as a side effect, contributing to the discomfort of an existing fever.
Infections Triggering Fever
Fever and chills often appear together as the body battles an infection. Viral infections, like influenza or COVID-19, trigger the immune system to raise body temperature, causing fever and chills. Bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections, also provoke this response as the body fights invaders. Parasitic infections, like malaria, can lead to cyclic fevers and chills due to the parasite’s life cycle. These symptoms stem from the body’s immune response disrupting temperature regulation.
| Infection Type | Common Examples |
|---|---|
| Viral | Influenza, COVID-19 |
| Bacterial | Pneumonia, UTIs |
| Parasitic | Malaria |
Understanding these medical causes helps explain why fever and chills occur, reassuring those experiencing them.
Low Blood Sugar Effects
While infections often cause fever and chills, another common trigger is low blood sugar. Whenever glucose levels drop, the body reacts by releasing stress hormones, which can cause chills with fever-like symptoms. This is especially common in people with diabetes or blood sugar regulation issues.
- Glucose imbalances: Low blood sugar disrupts the body’s ability to maintain warmth, leading to chills.
- Skipping meals: Not eating enough or waiting too long between meals can cause sudden drops in blood sugar.
- Symptoms beyond chills: Dizziness, fatigue, and confusion often accompany these episodes.
- Diabetes management: Poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk of hypoglycemia, worsening these effects.
Recognizing these triggers helps distinguish between infection-related chills and those caused by blood sugar dips. Staying nourished and monitoring glucose levels can prevent such episodes.
Medication Side Reactions
Many people don’t realize that certain medications can trigger chills and fever, albeit no infection is present. These side effects often stem from the body’s immune response or changes in blood flow. For example, antibiotics can cause fever as the immune system reacts, while chemotherapy drugs can disrupt temperature regulation. Immunosuppressants, used post-transplant, sometimes lead to shivering, and vasodilation medications might induce chills. Vaccines also commonly cause mild fever and chills as the body builds protection.
| Medication Type | Possible Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Antibiotics | Fever, chills |
| Chemotherapy | Chills, sweating |
| Immunosuppressants | Shivering, low-grade fever |
| Vasodilation drugs | Cold flashes, chills |
| Vaccines | Mild fever, body chills |
Recognizing these reactions helps distinguish between side effects and infections.
Symptoms Associated With Fever and Chills
Chills often hit hard as a fever kicks in, leaving someone shivering under blankets even as their body temperature climbs. This clash between feeling cold and running hot occurs because the body’s thermostat resets during viral or bacterial infections, tricking the brain into surmising the core temperature is too low. The body responds with muscle contractions (shivering) and goosebumps to generate heat.
- Intense shivering – Rapid muscle movements as the body tries to warm itself.
- Goosebumps – Tiny bumps on the skin, a leftover reflex from when body hair trapped heat.
- Pale or clammy skin – Blood vessels tighten to conserve warmth.
- Teeth chattering – A side effect of uncontrolled shivering.
These symptoms ease once the fever stabilizes.
How to Treat Chills and Fever at Home
Drinking fluids such as water or herbal tea helps the body stay hydrated while fighting off infection.
Rest allows the immune system to focus on recovery rather than other activities.
Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can lower fever and ease discomfort from chills.
Stay Hydrated and Rest
As the body grapples with an infection, staying hydrated and resting can make a significant difference. Drinking plenty of fluids helps prevent dehydration, regulate body temperature, and support the body’s immune response to fight the infection. Rest allows energy to focus on recovery while reducing the intensity of chills and fever.
Hydrate judiciously: Sip water, herbal tea, or clear broths to replenish fluids lost from fever and prevent dehydration.
Prioritize rest: Sleep helps the body heal and can reduce a fever naturally.
Adjust clothing: Wear light, breathable layers to manage fluctuating body temperature and minimize chills.
Use cooling methods: Lukewarm baths or cool compresses can offer relief without shocking the system.
These steps help the body recover while easing discomfort.
Use Fever-Reducing Medications
Fever-reducing medications can offer relief as discomfort from chills and high body temperature becomes overwhelming. Over-the-counter options like acetaminophen and ibuprofen help lower fever and ease shivering, making the body feel more comfortable. It’s crucial to follow the correct dosage on the label to avoid risks like liver damage, especially with acetaminophen.
While these medications provide rapid relief, allowing a mild fever to run its course can sometimes assist the body’s fight against infection. Pairing medication with lukewarm baths or cool compresses can improve comfort without over-relying on drugs. Staying hydrated and resting also supports recovery.
Always check for concealed acetaminophen in other medications to prevent accidental overdose, ensuring safer use of fever-reducing treatments.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Fever and Chills
Recognizing when fever and chills signal something serious can help prevent complications. While these symptoms often mean the body’s immune system is fighting infections, certain situations require medical attention.
Here’s in the event that to seek advice:
- High temperature (103°F+) or fever lasting over 48 hours, especially with shivering or severe chills.
- Deteriorating symptoms like confusion, stiff neck, or rapid breathing—these could indicate serious infections.
- Fever in children under 3 months, as their immune systems are still developing and need prompt evaluation.
- Compromised immune systems—if you’re immunosuppressed, even mild fevers warrant immediate care.
Don’t ignore unexplained or persistent symptoms. Timely action guarantees proper treatment and prevents risks. Always trust your instincts—if something feels off, seeking medical advice is wise.
Preventing Fever and Chills in the Future
Preventing fever and chills starts with simple, everyday habits that strengthen the body’s defenses. Since viruses that cause infections often trigger a fever, practicing good hygiene—like frequent handwashing—helps reduce exposure.
The body’s immune system works better when supported by a healthy lifestyle, including balanced meals, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep. Avoiding close contact with sick individuals lowers the risk of catching a cold or other illnesses that could lead to fever with chills.
Chills are caused by the body’s natural response to infection, so staying warm and hydrated can ease discomfort. Vaccinations also protect against many illnesses known to cause fever. When symptoms persist, seek medical advice to address underlying issues promptly.
Small, consistent steps make a big difference in staying healthy.
Conclusion
As fever grips, the body battles like a furnace striving to ignite—chills are the spark before the heat takes hold. One mother remembers enveloping her shivering child in blankets, only to discover the chills ebbed once the fever crested, much like a storm subsiding after the worst has passed. While discomfort is temporary, comprehending this natural process helps allay worry, transforming fear into patience as the body does its healing work.