Why Do You Keep Feeling Chills?

Understanding Chills, Fever & Warning Signs

The room feels comfortable. Everyone around you seems fine.

But you're reaching for another blanket because you suddenly feel freezing. Maybe you're shivering.

Maybe your teeth are chattering. Or perhaps you simply can't seem to get warm.

That's what we mean by chills.

Chills often happen when your muscles rapidly contract and relax as your body tries to generate heat. They frequently occur with fever or infection, but there are other possible causes too.

For eligible non-emergency illnesses and symptoms associated with chills, UrgentCare2Go can provide mobile medical evaluation when clinically appropriate.

The important thing is to look beyond the chills themselves and ask:

“What other symptoms are happening with them?”

Chills Aren't The Same As Feeling Cold

Anyone can feel cold in a chilly room.

Chills are different.

You may experience:

Shivering
Goosebumps
Teeth chattering
Trembling
Sudden cold sensations
Difficulty getting warm

Sometimes chills are mild.

Other times, the shivering can feel intense.

Chills are a symptom—not a diagnosis.

Do Chills Always Mean You Have A Fever?

No.

Chills commonly occur around the time a fever develops, but you can experience them without measuring a high temperature.

Your temperature can also change throughout an illness.

If you feel chilled, check your temperature when possible and pay attention to your other symptoms.

Why Can A Fever Make You Feel Cold?

This seems backward.

If your temperature is rising, why do you feel freezing?

During some illnesses, your body's temperature regulation can temporarily shift. Your current body temperature may suddenly feel too low relative to the body's new target.

Your muscles begin shivering to generate heat.

That's why you may be:

UNDER A BLANKET + SHIVERING + RUNNING A FEVER

all at the same time.

What Is A Fever?

A fever generally means your body temperature is elevated above its usual range.

It often occurs as part of the immune system's response to illness.

Fever can occur with:

Viral infections
Bacterial infections
Other inflammatory conditions
Certain medications
Other medical conditions

The temperature itself is only one piece of information.

How sick you feel matters too.

What Temperature Should You Report?

When possible, tell your healthcare provider:

The highest temperature you measured
How you measured it
When the fever started
Whether it comes and goes
Whether you took fever-reducing medication
When you took that medication

That information is more helpful than simply saying:

“I think I had a fever.”

Did The Chills Start With A Respiratory Illness?

Chills may occur with respiratory infections.

Other symptoms can include:

Fever
Cough
Congestion
Runny nose
Sore throat
Headache
Body aches
Fatigue

Depending on your symptoms, exposure history, provider assessment, and available services, testing for illnesses such as flu, COVID-19, or strep may sometimes be appropriate.

Flu Can Come On Fast

Influenza can sometimes make you feel as though you were fine one minute and suddenly sick the next.

Symptoms may include:

Fever
Chills
Body aches
Headache
Fatigue
Cough
Sore throat

Not everyone experiences every symptom.

If you're at higher risk for complications or symptoms are significant, seek medical guidance early.

What About COVID-19?

COVID-19 can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including:

Fever
Chills
Cough
Sore throat
Congestion
Fatigue
Headache
Body aches

Symptoms can overlap considerably with other respiratory illnesses.

Testing may sometimes help determine what is causing the illness.

Chills + Sore Throat

A sore throat with chills may occur with several infections.

Pay attention to whether you also have:

Fever
Swollen glands
Cough
Congestion
Difficulty swallowing
Rash

Depending on the symptoms and examination, a provider may determine whether testing is appropriate.

Antibiotics aren't automatically needed for every sore throat or fever.

Could A Urinary Infection Cause Chills?

A urinary tract infection may cause symptoms such as:

Burning with urination
Frequent urination
Urgency
Lower abdominal discomfort

If infection involves the kidneys, symptoms may become more significant and can include:

Fever
Chills
Back or flank pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Feeling significantly ill

Fever or chills with urinary symptoms can indicate a more complicated infection and deserves prompt medical attention.

Don't Ignore Flank Pain

Flank pain is discomfort toward the side or back below the ribs.

If you have:

URINARY SYMPTOMS + FEVER/CHILLS + FLANK PAIN

seek prompt medical evaluation.

A kidney infection may require different treatment and, in some situations, facility-based care.

What About Vomiting Or Diarrhea?

Gastrointestinal illnesses may sometimes occur with:

Chills
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal discomfort

The biggest concern can become dehydration, particularly when you cannot keep fluids down.

Watch for:

Dry mouth
Increased thirst
Dark urine
Reduced urination
Weakness
Lightheadedness

Dehydration Can Make You Feel Worse

Illness can increase your fluid needs.

At the same time, you may be:

Eating less
Drinking less
Sweating
Vomiting
Having diarrhea

That combination can contribute to dehydration.

If you're able to drink safely, take fluids regularly.

Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down deserves medical attention.

What If You're Shaking Hard?

Strong chills with intense shivering are sometimes called rigors.

They can occur when the body's temperature is changing rapidly and may sometimes accompany a significant infection.

If you're experiencing intense shaking chills along with:

High fever
Severe weakness
Confusion
Breathing difficulty
Rapidly worsening illness

seek prompt medical attention.

Skin Infection + Chills Matters

Remember the previous blog about warm, red skin?

If an area of skin is becoming:

Redder
Warmer
More swollen
More painful

and you develop fever or chills, the infection may be becoming more significant.

Don't focus only on the skin.

How you feel overall matters.

Could Medication Cause Chills?

Certain medications can sometimes contribute to chills, shaking, or temperature changes.

Tell your healthcare provider if symptoms began after:

Starting a new medication
Changing a dose
Receiving an injection or infusion
Adding a supplement

Don't stop an important prescribed medication without medical guidance unless you're experiencing a severe allergic reaction or have been instructed to do so.

What About A Medication Reaction?

Seek immediate medical attention if chills occur with signs of a severe allergic reaction, including:

Difficulty breathing
Tongue swelling
Throat swelling
Severe wheezing
Widespread hives
Fainting

Severe allergic reactions require emergency care. Call 911.

Can Anxiety Make You Shiver?

Yes.

Anxiety, fear, or an adrenaline response can sometimes cause trembling or shaking.

But don't automatically assume unexplained chills are anxiety—especially if you're also experiencing:

Fever
Cough
Urinary symptoms
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Skin redness
Significant weakness
Other signs of illness

Look at the entire symptom picture.

Could Low Blood Sugar Cause Shaking?

Low blood glucose can cause symptoms such as:

Shaking
Sweating
Hunger
Weakness
Dizziness
Irritability
Confusion

If you have diabetes and experience these symptoms, follow your established blood-glucose management plan.

Severe confusion, seizure, or loss of consciousness requires emergency care.

Chills After Being Outside In The Heat?

This deserves attention.

Someone experiencing heat exhaustion may feel:

Weak
Dizzy
Nauseated
Headachy
Sweaty
Generally unwell

But confusion, collapse, severe neurological changes, or suspected heat stroke is an emergency.

A person can feel chilled or develop goosebumps even during heat-related illness.

Don't assume “feeling cold” means heat isn't the problem.

What If You Recently Had A Procedure?

Chills or fever after a recent:

Surgery
Medical procedure
Dental procedure
Wound treatment

deserves medical attention, particularly if symptoms are new or worsening.

Follow any postoperative instructions you were given and contact the appropriate medical team when necessary.

Check For A Wound

If you're experiencing unexplained chills, think about whether you have:

A recent cut
An infected wound
A surgical incision
A painful skin lump
Increasing redness
Drainage
A worsening diabetic foot wound

Infections don't always begin with respiratory symptoms.

Older Adults May Not Show Typical Symptoms

In older adults, significant illness may not always produce the classic symptoms people expect.

Changes may include:

New weakness
Reduced appetite
Increased sleepiness
Confusion
Functional decline
Fever or chills

Sudden confusion is not something to dismiss as normal aging.

New confusion deserves prompt medical attention.

Chills During Pregnancy

Pregnancy does not prevent common infections.

If you're pregnant and develop chills or fever, contact your obstetric or healthcare provider for guidance, particularly when symptoms occur with:

Urinary problems
Significant vomiting
Abdominal or pelvic pain
Vaginal bleeding
Breathing difficulty
Severe headache
Other concerning symptoms

The appropriate evaluation depends on the stage of pregnancy and accompanying symptoms.

What About Children?

Children can develop chills with many common infections.

For babies and young children, age matters when evaluating fever.

A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in an infant younger than 3 months requires prompt medical evaluation.

Parents and caregivers should also seek medical attention for a child who:

Has difficulty breathing
Is difficult to wake
Has a seizure
Cannot keep fluids down
Shows signs of significant dehydration
Develops a concerning rash
Appears seriously ill

Fever Isn't The Only Thing That Matters

Two people can have the same measured temperature and feel completely different.

Pay attention to:

Alertness
Breathing
Hydration
Ability to walk
Ability to drink
Urination
Pain
Skin appearance
How quickly symptoms are worsening

Treat the person—not just the number on the thermometer.

What Is Sepsis?

Sepsis is a dangerous response to infection that can lead to organ dysfunction and become life-threatening.

Possible warning signs may include:

Confusion
Difficulty breathing
Very rapid breathing
Severe weakness
Abnormal heart rate
Clammy or unusually discolored skin
Reduced urination
Severe illness or rapidly worsening condition

Sepsis requires emergency medical treatment.

You cannot reliably diagnose or rule out sepsis at home.

Don't Wait For A Very High Fever

A serious infection doesn't always cause an extremely high temperature.

This is especially important in:

Older adults
Immunocompromised individuals
Certain chronic medical conditions

If someone appears severely ill, confused, weak, or unstable, the absence of a dramatic fever does not make the situation safe.

When You're Sick, Watch The Trend

Ask yourself:

Am I getting better, staying the same, or getting worse?

An illness that initially seemed manageable deserves another look if you begin developing:

New chills
Increasing fever
New breathing symptoms
Increasing weakness
Persistent vomiting
New confusion
New severe pain

A changing symptom pattern can be important.

Mobile Evaluation That Comes To You

For eligible non-emergency illnesses and symptoms associated with chills or fever, UrgentCare2Go can provide medical evaluation directly where you are.

Depending on your symptoms, medical history, available services, and provider assessment, a visit may include:

Vital signs
Temperature assessment
Medical history
Respiratory evaluation
Throat assessment
Hydration assessment
Urinary symptom review
Skin and wound assessment
Medication review
Testing for certain illnesses when clinically appropriate and available
Treatment recommendations
Prescription medication when clinically appropriate
Follow-up guidance
Referral for additional care when necessary

Some illnesses require laboratory testing, imaging, IV treatment, hospital monitoring, or emergency care.

What Should You Tell Your Provider?

Helpful information includes:

When the chills started
Your highest measured temperature
Whether you're shivering
Whether you have a cough
Whether your throat hurts
Whether you have congestion
Whether you have urinary symptoms
Whether you have flank pain
Whether you're vomiting
Whether you have diarrhea
Whether you can keep fluids down
Whether you have a wound
Whether your skin is red or warm
Whether you've recently had surgery
Whether medications recently changed
Whether symptoms are getting worse

The combination of symptoms can help determine what needs to be evaluated.

When Chills Deserve Medical Evaluation

Consider medical evaluation when:

Chills keep returning.
You have a persistent fever.
You feel significantly ill.
Symptoms aren't improving.
You're struggling to stay hydrated.
You have urinary symptoms.
You have a worsening cough or respiratory symptoms.
You have a warm, red, painful area of skin.
Symptoms began after a procedure.
You have significant medical risk factors.
You're unsure what's causing the symptoms.

When To Seek Prompt Medical Care

Seek prompt medical attention for:

Intense shaking chills
Persistent or worsening fever
Fever/chills with flank pain
Fever/chills with worsening skin redness
Persistent vomiting
Difficulty staying hydrated
Significant weakness
Symptoms rapidly getting worse
Fever after a recent surgery or procedure
Fever in an infant younger than 3 months

Some situations require facility-based testing and treatment.

🚨 When To Call 911

Call 911 for chills or suspected infection accompanied by:

Severe difficulty breathing
Severe confusion
Loss of consciousness
Seizure
Blue or gray lips
Signs of shock
Severe weakness or collapse
Severe allergic reaction
Rapidly worsening serious illness
Another life-threatening emergency

CHILLS + CONFUSION, BREATHING TROUBLE, COLLAPSE, OR SIGNS OF SHOCK = CALL 911

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I having chills when the room isn't cold?

Chills can occur when your body is adjusting its temperature during illness or fever, but infections, blood-sugar changes, medications, anxiety, and other conditions may also contribute.

Can you have chills without a fever?

Yes. Not everyone who experiences chills will measure a fever.

Why do I shiver when I have a fever?

Your body's temperature regulation may temporarily shift during illness, causing your muscles to shiver as they generate heat.

Can flu cause chills?

Yes. Influenza commonly causes fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, headache, cough, and other respiratory symptoms.

Can a UTI cause chills?

A simple bladder infection may not cause chills, but fever or chills with urinary symptoms—particularly with flank pain—can indicate a more complicated infection such as kidney involvement.

Can dehydration cause chills?

Illness and fluid loss can contribute to dehydration and make you feel generally unwell. Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down deserves medical attention.

Are shaking chills serious?

Intense shaking chills can sometimes accompany a significant infection. Seek medical attention when they occur with high fever, severe weakness, confusion, breathing difficulty, or rapidly worsening illness.

Can UrgentCare2Go evaluate chills?

Yes. UrgentCare2Go can evaluate eligible non-emergency illnesses and symptoms associated with chills or fever when clinically appropriate. Some causes require facility-based testing or emergency treatment.

When are chills an emergency?

Chills with severe breathing difficulty, confusion, seizure, loss of consciousness, signs of shock, severe weakness or collapse, or another life-threatening symptom require emergency care.

Should I take leftover antibiotics?

No. Chills don't tell you whether an illness is bacterial. Antibiotics should only be used when clinically appropriate for the current condition.

Compliance Statement

UrgentCare2Go provides mobile medical evaluation for eligible non-emergency illnesses and symptoms that may be associated with chills or fever when clinically appropriate.

Chills are a nonspecific symptom and may occur with viral illnesses, bacterial infections, dehydration, medication effects, blood-glucose changes, and other medical conditions. Chills alone do not identify the cause or indicate whether antibiotics are appropriate.

Evaluation and treatment depend on medical history, examination findings, symptom severity, available services, provider assessment, and clinical judgment. Some illnesses require laboratory testing, imaging, IV treatment, specialist evaluation, hospital monitoring, or emergency care.

Severe breathing difficulty, severe confusion, seizure, loss of consciousness, signs of shock, severe weakness or collapse, rapidly worsening serious illness, or another life-threatening symptom requires emergency care. Call 911.

A Simple Reminder

If you're wrapped in blankets while everyone else says the room feels fine, don't focus only on getting warm.

Ask:

Do I have a fever?

What other symptoms started with the chills?

Am I getting better—or getting worse?

Chills are often one piece of a larger picture.

For eligible non-emergency illnesses associated with chills or fever, UrgentCare2Go brings medical evaluation directly to you.