A sensation of cold, often accompanied by shivering or involuntary muscle contractions, that can occur with or without an actual decrease in body temperature.
Chills commonly occur during infections, particularly when the body is raising its temperature as part of a fever response. They can also occur with exposure to cold, certain medicines, hormonal changes, or other medical conditions.
Chills are a symptom, not a diagnosis, and their significance depends on the accompanying symptoms and circumstances.
QUICK FACT
A person can experience chills even when the surrounding environment is not cold.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Fever: a regulated increase in body temperature; chills can accompany fever but are not the same thing.
SEE ALSO