Chills

Chills are a feeling of coldness that may be accompanied by shivering. They can occur as body temperature rises during an infection, although not every episode means a fever is present. The associated symptoms and overall condition matter more than the sensation alone, particularly when shaking is intense or illness is worsening.

Should I take my temperature?

A thermometer can provide useful information, but one normal reading does not explain all symptoms. Note when chills occur and whether there is sweating, cough, pain when passing urine, abdominal pain or a new rash. Tell the clinician about recent travel, procedures and reduced immunity.

A person who is confused, difficult to wake or struggling to breathe needs urgent care regardless of the temperature reading. Older people and people with certain health conditions may not show a typical fever pattern.

For the Australian guidance behind this explanation, see Healthdirect Australia: Fever - normal and high temperature range, when to see GP | healthdirect.

What can I do while arranging advice?

Keep comfortable and avoid extreme heating or cooling. Cold baths or vigorous cooling can provoke further shivering. Drink suitable fluids if you can do so safely, and monitor urine output and alertness. Ask a clinician or pharmacist about appropriate symptom care rather than using another person's treatment.

If chills recur without an obvious explanation, arrange a review. A doctor may need to examine you and consider tests based on accompanying symptoms. Record the timing and any measured temperatures so the discussion focuses on the pattern rather than a vague sense of being unwell.

When should I seek urgent help?

Chills with severe pain, breathing difficulty, confusion, collapse or rapidly worsening illness needs urgent assessment. Call 000 for life-threatening symptoms. Fever in a very young baby or someone with significant immune suppression needs prompt medical advice. Telehealth can help triage a stable person, but suspected serious infection requires direct assessment and should not wait for a routine booking.

Where to go next

Read online doctor consultations to understand the relevant service. A doctor decides whether a consultation, examination, referral or another pathway is appropriate for your situation.