What helps chills go away? Comprehensive guide to causes and relief

Chills are your body's involuntary muscle contractions and shivering, a natural response to generate heat and raise your core temperature. Understanding why they occur is the first step toward finding relief. So, what helps chills go away effectively, whether they are a symptom of an infection or caused by a cold environment?

Quick Summary

To alleviate chills, you can focus on home care by warming your body with blankets and warm fluids, getting ample rest, and staying well-hydrated. If a fever is present, over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help, but addressing the underlying cause is key to lasting relief.

Key Points

• Warm Up Gradually: Use blankets or take a warm bath to help raise your body's temperature. Avoid cold water or excessive bundling if a fever is present.

• Stay Hydrated with Warm Fluids: Drinking warm liquids like broth or herbal tea can help you rehydrate and feel warmer. Proper hydration supports your immune system.

• Get Plenty of Rest: Allowing your body to rest is crucial for recovery, as it can focus its energy on fighting off any infection causing the chills.

• Consider OTC Medications for Fever: If your chills are accompanied by a fever, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce it and alleviate related discomfort.

• Know When to See a Doctor: Seek medical attention if chills are severe, persistent, or accompanied by high fever or other serious symptoms like a stiff neck, confusion, or difficulty breathing.

Understanding the Root Causes of Chills

Chills are not an illness themselves but a symptom that signals your body's internal thermostat is adjusting. This shivering response is often associated with a fever, as your body raises its temperature to fight off an infection. However, chills can also occur without a fever due to other factors.

Chills Caused by Infection

When your immune system detects a virus or bacteria, it releases substances called pyrogens. These chemicals act on the hypothalamus in your brain, which is responsible for regulating body temperature, telling it to increase the body's heat. The result is shivering as your muscles contract and relax to generate the necessary heat. Common infections that cause chills include:

• The common cold and flu
• COVID-19
• Strep throat
• Pneumonia
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Sepsis

Chills Without a Fever

Experiencing chills without a fever can happen for a variety of reasons:

• Cold Exposure: Being in a cold environment for too long can trigger the body's natural shivering reflex to warm up.
• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar can cause shaking, sweating, and chills, as the body seeks to conserve energy.
• Anemia: A low red blood cell count means less oxygen is delivered to your tissues, which can lead to a constant feeling of being cold.
• Anxiety and Stress: The body's 'fight or flight' response releases adrenaline, which can cause physiological changes that include shivering.
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland slows down your metabolism, which can lead to a lower-than-normal body temperature and chills.
• Medication Side Effects: Certain medications can cause chills as an unwanted side effect.
• Dehydration: Lack of fluids can disrupt your body's ability to regulate its own temperature.

Immediate Home Remedies to Help Chills Go Away

For many instances of chills, especially those from a simple infection or cold exposure, simple home remedies are highly effective and can offer quick comfort.

Warm Up Your Body Gradually

• Wrap up with blankets: Layering blankets can trap heat and help your body warm up gently. Avoid heavy blankets if you have a fever, as this can cause overheating once your temperature has been reset.
• Wear dry, breathable clothing: If you are sweaty, change into dry, light, and breathable fabrics like cotton. Wet clothing can make chills worse by drawing heat away from your skin through evaporation.
• Take a hot shower or bath: A warm bath or shower can help raise your body temperature. Ensure the water is comfortably warm, not scalding hot.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished

• Drink warm fluids: Broth, soup, or herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint can provide warmth and hydration.
• Sip on electrolyte-rich beverages: If you've been vomiting or have diarrhea, fluids with electrolytes can help restore proper hydration and support your immune system.
• Avoid certain foods: Spicy foods and heavy, dairy-based products can sometimes exacerbate symptoms. Stick to light, easy-to-digest meals.

Prioritize Rest

• Get plenty of sleep: Rest is crucial for allowing your body to focus its energy on fighting off any underlying infection.
• Maintain a comfortable room temperature: Keep your room at a comfortable temperature, avoiding overly hot or cold conditions, which can worsen shivering.

Medication Options for Chills

If chills are accompanied by a fever, over-the-counter medications can provide relief. Always read and follow the instructions on the packaging.

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): An effective fever reducer and pain reliever.
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Also reduces fever and pain, and can help with inflammation. Take with food to prevent stomach irritation.
• Aspirin: While effective, it's generally not recommended for children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. Consult a doctor before taking aspirin, especially if you have other health conditions or take other blood thinners.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most chills are minor and resolve with home care, certain signs indicate you should consult a healthcare provider. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seek medical help if:

• Your fever reaches 103°F (39.4°C) or higher.
• Your fever does not respond to OTC medications.
• The chills are accompanied by a stiff neck, confusion, severe headache, or irritability.
• You experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe abdominal pain.
• You have chills after a recent tick bite or travel to a malaria-prone area.
• Chills persist for more than a few days, even with home treatment.

Comparison of Home Remedies and Medications

Feature	Home Remedies	Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication
Application	Focuses on comfort and natural body processes (e.g., warming up, hydration).	Directly addresses fever and pain symptoms.
Speed	Often provides relief in minutes but may not solve the underlying cause.	Can take 30–60 minutes to work but tackles the direct symptoms more aggressively.
Underlying Cause	Supports the body's natural healing process to resolve the cause.	Does not treat the root cause (e.g., infection) but manages the symptoms.
Side Effects	Minimal to none, though certain foods or drinks might cause irritation.	Possible side effects, such as stomach upset (ibuprofen) or liver damage (acetaminophen overuse).
Best For	Mild chills from cold exposure or early-stage infections.	Chills with an accompanying fever or noticeable discomfort.

Conclusion

Understanding what helps chills go away depends largely on the underlying cause. For simple cases, warming up, staying hydrated, and resting are often sufficient. If chills are linked to a fever, over-the-counter medication can provide fast relief. However, if symptoms are severe or persistent, it is important to seek professional medical advice to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of the root cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common reason for chills?

The most common reason for chills is the body's response to an infection, such as the common cold or flu. As your immune system fights the infection, it raises your core temperature, causing shivering and chills.

Can I get chills without a fever?

Yes, you can. Chills without a fever can be caused by low blood sugar, anxiety, cold exposure, certain medications, or medical conditions like anemia or hypothyroidism.

Should I bundle up when I have the chills?

If you are simply cold, bundling up is fine. However, if chills are accompanied by a fever, excessive layering can cause overheating once your temperature resets. Use light layers or blankets that can be easily removed.

Are cold baths effective for treating chills?

No, cold baths are not recommended as they can trigger more shivering and potentially cause the fever to rise. Instead, use a lukewarm bath or a damp cloth to cool the skin gently and help lower a fever.

Can dehydration cause chills?

Yes, dehydration can disrupt your body's ability to regulate its temperature, which can lead to chills. Staying hydrated with plenty of fluids is important for recovery.

How long do chills typically last?

The duration of chills depends on the underlying cause. Simple chills from being cold may pass quickly, while those from an infection can last until the fever breaks. If chills persist for more than a few days, consult a doctor.

When should a parent be concerned about a child's chills?

Parents should contact a healthcare provider for any fever in an infant under three months. For older children, seek medical attention if the fever is very high (above 103°F), lasts more than a few days, or is accompanied by serious symptoms like a stiff neck or confusion.