Chills are a feeling of being cold without an apparent cause, and they can occur with or without a fever. They are a sign that your body is trying to regulate its core temperature. Chills can be caused by rapid muscle contraction and relaxation, which is the bodys way of producing heat when it feels cold. Some common causes of chills include:

• Infections: Chills are a common symptom of infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTI), and malaria.
• Exposure to cold: Sometimes, chills occur after exposure to a cold environment.
• Emotional reactions: Chills can occur if you have a profound or intense emotional reaction to a situation, such as fear or anxiety.
• Medical conditions: Chills can also be caused by health conditions, including dehydration, low blood sugar, and malnutrition.

If an illness, infection, or another health problem causes chills, treating the underlying condition should get rid of the symptom. Treatments vary depending on the cause and may include antibiotics for bacterial and parasitic infections, antiviral medications for viral infections, and over-the-counter medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®), for conditions like flu that cause fevers and chills. If you experience chills, you may want to contact a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.