We’re not talking about the chill you get in the middle of winter when you’ve forgotten to wear your gloves. This is a kind of chill provoked by hardcore illness and infection. If you’ve had the flu, you’ve most likely experienced chills and then a fever soon afterward. Even in the middle of summer as your body temperature begins to climb due to the sudden onset of illness, you can still feel cold.

Why do you get the chills when you’re sick?

To fight infection, your body lights a fire to burn pathogens away. As your body’s internal thermostat is set higher for optimal infection-stomping status, your body feels cold. In response to this chill, your muscles throw themselves into a series of contractions in an effort to reclaim a warm and cozy feeling. This rapid flexing of muscles makes you shake and shiver, and your body temperature shoots up for the fight!

Causes of body chills

Just some of the common causes of chills include:

• Influenza
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Strep throat
• Food poisoning
• Other bacterial or viral infections

Home remedies for chills

Chills usually subside on their own once a fever is maintained and then later broken when your bodily thermostat resets. However, there are some things you can do to make yourself or a person wracked with chills a little more comfortable.

Mix a tablespoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon into a warm glass of water. Don’t down it in one shot though; take time to sip and let it warm you from the inside.

If you’re caring for someone with chills, try sponging the body with warm water. The warmth will dilate blood vessels and help regain a lost sense of warmth.

Keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of water or 100% natural juice. Avoid sugary drinks as these will dehydrate you more.

In the vein of keeping yourself hydrated, don’t reach for the nearest bottle of cognac. Alcohol offers only a false sense of warmth and dehydrates your body further. The Saint Bernard is a liar!

Don’t overexert yourself. In fact, stay in bed! Chills are your body’s sign to you that something is wrong. If you walk around, your body riddled with chills, you will only prolong the symptoms.

If your chills are severe or if your fever reaches above 104 degrees and will not go down with the help of aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen, see a doctor right away.

QUICK FACT: Never give children under the age 18 aspirin as they run the risk of developing Reye’s syndrome.

–Magdalena

Do you have a home remedy for chills? Comment and tell us about it!

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