Feeling chills can be annoying, right? Most of the time, it’s just because your body is cold. When your temperature drops, your muscles start contracting and relaxing to warm you up. That’s why you shiver. You might also notice goosebumps or little tremors.
But chills don’t always mean you’re cold. Sometimes, they’re a signal that something else is going on. Usually, it’s nothing serious, but it’s worth paying attention. Here are 11 reasons you could be experiencing chills.
1. Emotions
Believe it or not, strong emotions can make you shiver. Excitement, fear, or anxiety can all trigger chills. Your brain and nervous system react, and your body responds automatically.
For example, if chills come with a racing heart, sweating, chest tightness, or trouble breathing, it could be a panic attack. That happens to some people, and getting psychotherapy can make a big difference.
2. Infections
Chills are often an early sign that your body is fighting off an infection. Viruses or bacteria trigger your immune system, and your muscles respond with shivering.
Sometimes you feel cold even if you have a fever, which can be confusing. Chills often happen at the start of an illness, but they can also show up without a fever.
3. Fever
Chills are closely linked to fever. They can be your body’s way of saying your temperature is about to rise. Kids, in particular, get chills more easily, even with minor infections.
4. Medication Reactions
Certain medications can cause chills as a side effect. Antibiotics are a common culprit. Sometimes it’s tricky because antibiotics are also used to treat infections that cause chills.
Other treatments like chemotherapy, blood transfusions, or imaging tests with contrast dye can also trigger chills. It’s rare, but it happens.
5. Low Blood Sugar
If your blood sugar drops too low, you might notice chills. This is more common in people with diabetes who take insulin. Too much insulin or not eating enough can lead to hypoglycemia and the shivering that comes with it.
6. Intense Exercise
Exercise can raise your body temperature and sometimes even make you feel like you have a mild fever. After you cool down, chills can follow. So if you’re shivering after a tough workout, that’s usually normal.
7. Conditions Affecting White Blood Cells
Some illnesses make your white blood cells work overtime, and that can cause chills. Diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout can trigger this. Chemicals released by your immune system can affect your brain and make you shiver.
8. Lyme Disease
Lyme disease often starts with a bulls-eye rash where a tick bit you. Chills, fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, or nausea can appear too. If you notice these symptoms with a rash, see a doctor quickly.
9. Malaria
Malaria is rare in the U.S., but if you’ve traveled to parts of Africa or Asia, it’s something to watch for. Chills, fever, sweating, headache, nausea, and body aches are all common signs.
10. Infectious Arthritis
This is a rare infection in the joints. Chills can happen along with pain, swelling, and redness in the joint. It needs medical attention quickly if it occurs.
11. Cancer
Some cancers, like leukemia and lymphoma, can cause chills. Usually, it starts with severe shivering, sometimes at night, followed by fever and fatigue. If you notice persistent or unusual chills, it’s important to see a doctor.
The bottom line
Chills are usually nothing serious, but they can be a warning sign. Pay attention to other symptoms and how long the chills last. If they keep coming or you notice other issues, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare professional.
