We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Most Common Causes of Chills and Fever?

Alex Tree
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 14,759
Share

Influenza, pneumonia, and the common cold are some of the most common causes of chills and fever. These conditions affect millions of people every year, with pneumonia being the most serious and potentially fatal. Among the three, influenza is the only illness that can be vaccinated against, though there is no stopping the virus if a person already has it. Pneumonia, a condition that can affect both humans and animals, is mostly dangerous to those who are already weak. Lastly, the common cold is an illness the vast majority of people are familiar with, and it can sometimes cause chills and fever in addition to the typical symptoms.

One condition that causes chills and fever most commonly is influenza. In addition to chills and fever, it often presents with general body aches and fatigue as well as cough. Due to the similarities between some symptoms of influenza and the common cold, also known as acute viral rhinopharyngitis, these two conditions are sometimes mistaken for one another. The influenza virus is most typically propagated through the air due to sneezing and coughing, but can also be transmitted through other forms of direct and indirect contact. Many people choose to vaccinate themselves yearly against prevalent forms of the influenza virus, as it can be especially lethal to people who have suboptimal health.

Pneumonia is essentially a condition that results in one or both lungs becoming inflamed. It has various causes, including parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Cough, fever, and pain in the chest are some symptoms of pneumonia, but the condition can also present with chills. Pneumonia is a life-threatening condition that should be treated as soon as possible, and it is important not to dismiss these symptoms as something less urgent. It is most dangerous to the very old and the very young, but anyone can be threatened by this illness.

While the common cold does not always have chills and fever as symptoms, it is a strong possibility. Other symptoms of a cold are a mild cough, runny nose, and sneezing. A person with a cold may also experience minor muscle aches and general fatigue. If the person does not experience fever and chills or muscle soreness, he or she might actually be suffering from allergies rather than the common cold. There is no cure for the common cold, but it normally goes away on its own without any serious complications.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Alex Tree
By Alex Tree
Andrew McDowell is a talented writer and WiseGeek contributor. His unique perspective and ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner make him a valuable asset to the team, as he crafts content that both informs and engages readers.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Alex Tree
Alex Tree
Andrew McDowell is a talented writer and WiseGeek contributor. His unique perspective and ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner make him a valuable asset to the team, as he crafts content that both informs and engages readers.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-most-common-causes-of-chills-and-fever.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.