{"id":3333,"date":"2025-04-02T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-02T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/?p=3333"},"modified":"2025-11-26T16:44:12","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T21:44:12","slug":"what-does-it-mean-if-you-get-chills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/what-does-it-mean-if-you-get-chills\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does It Mean if You Get Chills?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>You\u2019re lying under a cozy blanket, not cold at all\u2014and suddenly, a wave of shivers runs through your body. No fever, no icy air, just that strange tingling down your spine. So <strong>what does it mean when you have the chills<\/strong> for no clear reason? While getting the chills might seem harmless, your body could be trying to tell you something important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>TL;DR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Chills<\/strong> can happen with or without a fever and are usually linked to infections, temperature changes, stress, or strong emotions. Most of the time, they\u2019re harmless\u2014but if you <strong>keep getting the chills<\/strong> or they appear without explanation, they could point to issues like infection, thyroid problems, or nutrient deficiencies. Stay hydrated, rest, and keep warm. If the chills are intense, frequent, or come with symptoms like pain, high fever, or confusion, it\u2019s time to see a doctor.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Your health starts here\u2014Schedule a <a href=\"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/primary-care-doctor-in-brooklyn-ny.php\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/internal-medicine-doctor-in-brooklyn-ny.php\">visit with a Brooklyn primary care doctor<\/a>! \ud83c\udf1f<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/What-Does-Pain-Management-Treatment-Involve.webp\" alt=\"IDCC HEALTH SERVICES\" class=\"wp-image-3334\" srcset=\"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/What-Does-Pain-Management-Treatment-Involve.webp 1000w, https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/What-Does-Pain-Management-Treatment-Involve-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/What-Does-Pain-Management-Treatment-Involve-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/What-Does-Pain-Management-Treatment-Involve-600x400.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Why Do I Have the Chills?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several <strong>reasons for chills<\/strong>, and not all of them mean you\u2019re sick. Sometimes, <strong>getting the chills<\/strong> is simply your body\u2019s way of adjusting to temperature changes or processing emotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chills can appear early during an infection, even before a fever sets in. They may also happen when your body struggles to regulate heat properly, which can signal a health issue that needs attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019re also tied to your nervous system\u2014especially the \u201cfight-or-flight\u201d response. When you\u2019re stressed, scared, or overwhelmed, your body releases adrenaline, which tightens your muscles and can make your skin feel tingly or cold. This reaction doesn\u2019t always mean danger\u2014it\u2019s just your body staying alert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And yes, chills can pop up in completely normal moments too\u2014like when a song gives you goosebumps or you see someone you\u2019re attracted to. In those cases, chills are simply emotional or sensory reactions. Some people are more sensitive to these sensations than others. Still, if you <strong>keep getting chills<\/strong> without an obvious reason, it\u2019s smart to check in with your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Learn more about<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/can-allergies-cause-chills-symptoms-and-causes-explained\/\">can allergies cause chills symptoms and causes explained<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Health Conditions That Cause Chills<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Chills aren\u2019t always caused by cold weather. They can also be your body\u2019s way of saying something\u2019s off internally. Understanding <strong>what do chills mean<\/strong> can help you figure out when it\u2019s time to get medical advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When You Get Chills What Does That Mean?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you experience chills, your body is responding to internal or external changes\u2014like cold temperatures, infections, dehydration, or emotional stress. Essentially, it\u2019s your body\u2019s natural effort to regulate temperature and protect vital organs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most common <strong>reasons for chills<\/strong> is infection. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bacterial infections:<\/strong> pneumonia, urinary tract infections, typhoid fever, listeria, hantavirus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Viral infections:<\/strong> flu, common cold, mononucleosis, RSV, COVID-19<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Parasitic infections:<\/strong> giardiasis, malaria<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These illnesses can cause fever, inflammation, and fatigue, with chills often showing up early in the process. Depending on the condition, you may also experience <strong>abdominal pain, weakness, or body aches<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re unsure <strong>why you keep getting chills<\/strong>, or they come and go without a pattern, a medical evaluation can help identify the cause and guide treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Chills Symptoms<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When talking about <strong>a chill symptoms<\/strong>, it\u2019s important to understand that chills are not just about feeling When people talk about chills, they usually mean shivering or shaking\u2014but there\u2019s more to it. Chills can be part of a larger body reaction, depending on the trigger. Common symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shivering or trembling, even in a warm room<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Goosebumps as your muscles tighten around hair follicles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Muscle stiffness or tension<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fatigue or weakness after the episode<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mild fever or feeling feverish without a high temperature<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headaches or body aches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sweating after the chills pass<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If these symptoms are mild or short-lived, they\u2019re usually harmless. But when chills are strong, ongoing, or paired with high fever, pain, or confusion, they could be a sign that your body needs medical care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Chills Without Fever<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Feeling cold and shivery but your thermometer says otherwise? You\u2019re not alone. Many people wonder <strong>why am I getting cold chills<\/strong> when they don\u2019t have a fever. The truth is, chills are one of the body\u2019s ways of producing heat and maintaining balance\u2014especially when something\u2019s off internally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Common causes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cold exposure:<\/strong> A breeze or cool environment can trigger chills in sensitive individuals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dehydration:<\/strong> Low fluid levels affect how your body controls temperature.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Intense exercise:<\/strong> Temperature swings after physical activity can cause shivers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medication side effects:<\/strong> Some prescriptions alter hormone or nervous system activity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Emotional stress:<\/strong> Anxiety and fear can trigger a physical chill response.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related Medical Conditions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Certain health issues can also cause chills without fever:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Condition<\/th><th>How It Causes Chills<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Hypothyroidism<\/strong><\/td><td>Slows metabolism and increases sensitivity to cold.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Hypoglycemia<\/strong><\/td><td>Low blood sugar can trigger shaking and chills.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Malnutrition<\/strong><\/td><td>Lack of nutrients reduces heat production and energy.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Infections Without Fever<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes\u2014you can have an infection even without a noticeable fever. Early stages of illness often present with chills first. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bronchitis<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Food poisoning<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stomach virus<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Skin infections<\/strong> like cellulitis or abscesses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When to Be Concerned<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Chills that happen often or come with other symptoms shouldn\u2019t be ignored. If you\u2019re wondering <strong>what does it mean when you have the chills<\/strong> frequently, it could be a sign of a deeper issue\u2014like infection, hormone imbalance, or dehydration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should seek medical attention if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>They appear alongside confusion, rash, or breathing problems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chills are intense or constant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They come with pain, fatigue, or appetite changes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Get Rid of Chills?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Chills are your body\u2019s way of rebalancing its internal temperature\u2014but you can help it along. Here\u2019s <strong>what to do when you get chills<\/strong> and want relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">General Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Stay hydrated:<\/strong> Fluids help regulate body temperature and prevent dehydration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Get enough rest:<\/strong> Your body heals and restores balance while resting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Avoid extremes:<\/strong> Don\u2019t overheat or overcool\u2014both can worsen chills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Take a warm sponge bath:<\/strong> Gentle warmth helps your body stabilize naturally.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Common Medications<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Over-the-counter remedies can ease discomfort:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Medication<\/th><th>Effect<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Acetaminophen<\/strong><\/td><td>Reduces fever and helps relieve chills.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Aspirin<\/strong><\/td><td>Lowers body temperature and eases pain.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ibuprofen<\/strong><\/td><td>Anti-inflammatory that also helps with aches.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Always read the label or talk to your doctor before taking any medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Natural Remedies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking for gentle, at-home options? Try warm herbal infusions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Tea<\/th><th>Benefit<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Cinnamon<\/strong><\/td><td>Helps stabilize body temperature.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Black Pepper<\/strong><\/td><td>Encourages circulation and warmth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ginger<\/strong><\/td><td>Boosts energy and supports blood flow.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Enjoy these teas throughout the day for soothing relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to Seek Medical Help for Chills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Chills are often harmless, but sometimes they point to a bigger issue. Contact a doctor if you experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Persistent chills that don\u2019t improve with rest or warmth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High fever (above 103\u00b0F in adults or 101\u00b0F in infants under 3 months)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Severe symptoms like abdominal pain, breathing trouble, or vomiting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confusion, drowsiness, stiff neck, or light sensitivity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Signs of dehydration, like dizziness or extreme thirst<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rash or visible skin changes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Urgent Situations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Seek emergency care if you suspect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hypothermia:<\/strong> Pale skin, confusion, or severe fatigue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Severe infection or food poisoning:<\/strong> Chills with vomiting or diarrhea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Chills may seem minor, but if they persist or come with other worrisome signs, it\u2019s best to get checked out early. Quick action can make all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Learn more about<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/why-is-my-nose-scabbing-on-the-inside-causes-and-solutions\/\">why is my nose scabbing on the inside causes and solutions<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Definition and Causes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>What do chills mean?<\/strong> They\u2019re involuntary shivers triggered by cold, illness, or emotion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Common triggers include infection, dehydration, medications, stress, or temperature changes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Physiological Response<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chills often reflect your body\u2019s way of stabilizing temperature.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The autonomic nervous system and adrenaline play major roles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Chills Without Fever<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>May result from stress, dehydration, or mild hormone imbalance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can also be linked to hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, or malnutrition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some infections (like bronchitis or skin infections) may start with chills before fever appears.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When to Seek Help<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Persistent or unexplained chills should be evaluated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seek care if chills come with fever, confusion, or pain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Urgent care may be needed for hypothermia or dehydration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Treatment and Relief<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stay hydrated, rest, and avoid extreme temperatures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Natural remedies like ginger or cinnamon tea support circulation and warmth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Prevention<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monitor for patterns in when and why you get chills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Early medical evaluation can prevent complications and give peace of mind.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kasdan, L., &amp; Benedek, B. (1987). <em>The Big Chill<\/em>. New York: St. Martin&#8217;s Press.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Schoeller, F., &amp; Perlovsky, L. (2016). Aesthetic chills: Knowledge-acquisition, meaning-making, and aesthetic emotions. <em>Frontiers in Psychology<\/em>, 7, 1093.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>You may also like<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/what-type-of-doctor-deals-with-the-brain\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/what-type-of-doctor-deals-with-the-brain\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Types of Brain Doctors: Who Treats Brain and Nervous System Disorders?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/can-i-ask-my-doctor-for-a-brain-scan\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/can-i-ask-my-doctor-for-a-brain-scan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Get a Brain Scan?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/can-myasthenia-gravis-cause-pain\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/can-myasthenia-gravis-cause-pain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Can Myasthenia Gravis Cause Pain?\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You\u2019re lying under a cozy blanket, not cold at all\u2014and suddenly, a wave of shivers runs through your body. No fever, no icy air, just that strange tingling down your spine. So what does it mean when you have the chills for no clear reason? While getting the chills might seem harmless, your body could [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3334,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mbp_gutenberg_autopost":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3333","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diseases-conditions","category-family-medicine-primary-care"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3333","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3333"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3333\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3334"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3333"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3333"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/idcchealth.org\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3333"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}