What Causes Chills Without Fever?

Q:
What causes chills without fever?

A:
When a person experiences chills or shivers they usually reach for the thermometer because chills are often accompanied by a fever. However, there are many medical and psychological reasons why you can have chills, but no fever.

These are the most common causes of chills without fever:

Exposure to extremely cold temperatures

Infection (bacterial/viral)

Common cold

Pneumonia

• Inflammation of the lungs
• Coughing, fever or difficulties breathing

Acute bronchitis

• Chest cold
• Inflammation of the large bronchi
• Can be caused by bacteria or viruses

Vitamin deficiency

• Vitamin B deficiency (B12 in particular)
• Can be improved through a proper diet

Food poisoning

• In rare cases, the person who suffers from food poisoning can present chills without fever
• Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps

Medication

• There are certain medications that can lead to the appearance of chills, this being a side-effect

Insect/spider bites

• Chills can appear as an allergic reaction to the insect or spider bites
• Emergency intervention might be required to prevent life-threatening symptoms

Mental disorders

• Anxiety or stress disorders – panic attacks (chills appear along other symptoms, such as the feeling of death and lack of control)

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