Having a fever with chills is usually the body’s way of fighting off infection.
In response to the reset “thermostat,” your body will start to shiver to generate heat.
Chillsand body aches can also occur without fever, such as with infections likeCOVID-19orbacterial meningitis.
Verywell / Hugo Lin
Verywell / Hugo Lin
What Causes a Fever With Chills?
Some of the causes of a fever and chills include:
What Causes a Fever?
A fever, also known aspyrexia, is the body’s natural reaction to infection.
Fevers are started bypyrogens, which are substances from outside of the body that trigger a fever.
Pyrogens trigger the release of inflammatory compounds calledprostaglandinsfrom tissue at the site of the infection.
Some medications can also cause a fever in certain people.
This happens when someone has a drug-related hypersensitivity to the drug, which leads to an immune system response.
What Is a Normal Body Temperature?
What Causes Chills?
When you have an infection, your brain sets a new higher core temperature for your body.
Chills Without Fever
Certain infectionscan cause body achesand chills without fever.
These include COVID-19 and certain bacterial infections.
COVID-19
Though fever is a common symptom of COVID-19, some people report chills without fever.
The cause is not clear, but the phenomenon has been noted in people with certain complications of COVID-19.
In all three cases, the immune response to the virus is not as severe.
Bacterial Infections
There are certain bacterial infections that can cause chills without fever.
This may be due to the pyrogens produced by the different bacteria.
Unlike viruses that independently stimulate the release of prostaglandins, bacteria produce toxins that are pyrogenic.
However, this will increase your body temperature, cause more discomfort, and even lead to dehydration.
However, fever and chills can also be a sign of a more serious condition, such asmeningitis.
The shaking or shivering of “the chills” can be uncomfortable but usually isn’t serious.
Consult with your healthcare provider to be aware of the potential side effects of your medications.
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