
We use the phrase “come down with” to say that we have become sick. Or we can use it to show that we feel sorry or bad like when we regret something. However, “sick” is used much more often than the word “ill”. The word “ill” has the same meaning as “sick”. We can use it with other illnesses and symptoms. We can use this simple sentence to tell what kind of illness we have. This could indicate a more serious problem.ĭon’t be caught unprepared by the chills - it’s a good idea to have a doctor you can call when you get sick.Įditor's Note: This gallery was originally published on August 31, 2016, and was last reviewed on June 29, 2022.This is a common expression that means “very sick”. Wong advises to seek help if your temperature does not come down with medication.

If you feel the chills coming on, resist the urge to bundle up until you know your temperature.So, chills actually assist in the process of your body building up a fever. Chills are simply your body’s attempt to burn energy and boost your body temperature.

“Why do I have the chills but not a fever?”Ĭhills and a fever often go hand-in-hand, but it’s possible to have one condition without the other. Keep in mind, children are more likely to quickly fluctuate in body temperature, so you should carefully monitor them when they’re ill. Adults actually can handle fevers up to 104 degrees for a short period of time, and children may also have fevers that high. Your body is able to raise its core temperature, which can help kill the bacteria or virus that has invaded. The average core temperature hovers around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Bacterial infections (pneumonia, UTIs, listeria).īecause fever and chills go hand in hand, you should know that though you are feeling cold, your core temperature may be quite high.Menopausal night sweats or hot flashes.Here are some other conditions that could lead to chills: You also may experience body aches, a runny nose, congestion, nausea and vomiting, and any number of symptoms depending on what is causing your sickness. If you are feeling that cold, shivery feeling, accompanied with general weakness or tiredness, you can bet that you are coming down with some kind of viral or bacterial infection.Ī cold, the flu, a respiratory infection - anything that can cause a fever will likely also cause the chills. Your immune system may be giving you chills to kill off bacteria that might be infecting you or to keep your body from freezing. Chills are essentially shivers or shakes to get the body moving and warmed. It’s natural for your body’s internal temperature to fluctuate in fact, chills are your body’s natural response to raising your internal temperature.

It’s your immune system’s way of telling you that you will need to take it easy for a few days, and that a fever and other symptoms are coming. Your body may shiver and shake, and your face may turn pale. In fact, as your body mounts a response to infection, your muscles contract and relax to create heat. You may experience an icy, tingling sensation throughout your body because of cold temperatures or because your body is preparing to fight off an infection. Share this on: Copied! Why Do I Have the Chills?
