Browse Medications by Everyday Health Concerns: Chills

Chills are a sensation of shivering or shaking due to a sudden drop in body temperature. They are often a response to fever or infection as your body tries to generate heat to fight off illness. While chills can be uncomfortable, they are a natural defense mechanism, signaling that your body is working hard to protect you. Understanding the cause of chills can help you take steps toward managing your health more effectively.

The common symptoms of chills include:

• Shivering or trembling, even when the environment is not cold
• Feeling cold, despite being in a warm setting
• Goosebumps on the skin
• Mild to moderate fever

Recognizing chills early can help you understand when it's time to rest, stay warm, and monitor for any other symptoms that may require medical attention.

Chills can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Fever or infection (such as flu, cold, or pneumonia)
• Exposure to cold environments
• Severe reactions to medications or vaccinations
• Certain medical conditions, like hypothyroidism or malaria

Identifying the cause of your chills is important for determining the right treatment and managing your symptoms.

Risk factors for experiencing chills include:

• Being exposed to infectious diseases or extreme temperatures
• Having a weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV or cancer
• Experiencing dehydration or blood loss

By recognizing these risk factors, you can take steps to reduce your chances of developing chills or manage them more effectively.

Diagnosing chills typically involves a physical exam and taking your temperature to check for fever. If the chills are persistent or associated with other symptoms like severe pain or breathing difficulties, your doctor may run additional tests to determine the underlying cause, such as blood tests or imaging.

Treating chills involves addressing the underlying cause and providing relief for the symptoms. Common treatments include:

• Taking fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Staying warm by using blankets or hot water bottles
• Resting and drinking fluids to prevent dehydration

Your healthcare provider will help you find the right treatment based on the cause of your chills.

Medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and relieve the discomfort associated with chills. NiHowdy can help you save on these medications, making it easier for you to manage your symptoms and get back to feeling better.

While chills caused by infections may not always be preventable, you can reduce the risk by:

• Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing
• Getting vaccinated against preventable diseases
• Dressing appropriately for the weather to avoid cold exposure

These preventive measures can help lower your chances of experiencing chills.

To manage chills at home:

• Bundle up in warm clothing or use blankets to help regulate your body temperature
• Drink warm fluids, such as tea or soup, to help warm up
• Rest and allow your body to fight off the underlying cause of the chills

These home remedies can help you feel more comfortable while managing your symptoms.

You should seek medical help if:

• Your chills are accompanied by a high fever, severe pain, or difficulty breathing
• The chills persist for more than a few hours
• You experience confusion or loss of consciousness
• Seeking medical advice early can help ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

NiHowdy makes it easier to manage chills by offering savings on medications that can help reduce fever and relieve symptoms. With access to affordable treatment options and Bitcoin rebates, NiHowdy ensures that managing your health is both effective and cost-friendly.

Wren had been suffering from chills due to a fever caused by the flu. With NiHowdy's savings on her fever medication, she was able to manage her symptoms and recover without financial worries, getting back to her daily routine in no time.