You may experience chills without fever due to exposure to cold temperatures, intense exercise, or certain health conditions. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Chills (shivering) are caused by rapid alternation between muscle contractions and relaxation. These muscle contractions are how your body tries to warm itself up when cold.

Chills are often, though not always, associated with fever. Sometimes, they precede the onset of fever, especially if an infection causes the fever. Other times, they occur without a spike in temperature. Chills may or may not be serious, depending on the underlying cause.

Several conditions can cause chills without fever.

You may experience chills in a cold place, such as the ocean or a pool, or outside on a chilly day. You can also get chills if your clothing becomes damp or wet. You can get chills indoors, too, if the air-conditioning is set too cold or the heat isn’t hot enough.

As the human body ages, it is more difficult to regulate body temperature, even in healthy older adults. Medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease can also affect your body temperature in the cold.

These types of chills should dissipate as soon as your body warms up. However, if you experience continual shaking after exposure to intense cold, you may have developed complications such as hypothermia or frostbite, which are both potentially serious.

Other symptoms of these conditions can include:

Seek immediate medical help if you suspect hypothermia or frostbite.

Chills without fever may result from taking certain medications or combinations of medications. They may also occur if you take the incorrect dosage of:

Always read the potential side effects information included with medication packaging. If you suspect that you’re having chills because of a drug or drugs you use, let a doctor or pharmacist know immediately. Depending on the severity, you may require medical attention.

Marathon running or other extreme sports requiring intense physical exertion may cause changes in your core body temperature. That can result in chills.

This response can happen in any weather but may be more likely in very cold or hot temperatures:

In both instances, other symptoms you might experience include:

You can avoid chills from exercise by remaining hydrated and dressing appropriately for your workouts. Avoid avoiding exercise during the coldest or hottest times of day and limit the time spent in intense activity.

Hydrating and returning your temperature to normal can eliminate your symptoms.

In some instances, you may require IV fluids to treat the condition.

An underactive thyroid is a thyroid gland that doesn’t produce enough of the hormones needed to regulate metabolic rate or support overall health. This condition can cause an increased sensitivity to cold, resulting in chills.

Additional symptoms associated with hypothyroidism include:

Hypothyroidism is diagnosed through a blood test. It’s a treatable condition and typically requires daily medication.

Hypoglycemia occurs if blood sugar levels dip abnormally low. If you have diabetes, it may be a sign that your medication or diet needs to be adjusted. It’s also possible to experience hypoglycemia without diabetes.

Hypoglycemia requires immediate treatment to get blood sugar levels back to healthy levels. One of the symptoms of hypoglycemia is a feeling of shakiness or muscle weakness, which may mimic chills. Other symptoms of this condition include:

Malnutrition occurs when your body lacks the necessary nutrients. This can happen because of:

Without the correct balance of nutrients, your body can’t function properly.

Other symptoms of malnutrition include:

Talk with a doctor if you suspect malnutrition. This is a serious condition that can lead to complications if left untreated.

Chills can occur if you have a profound or intense emotional reaction to a situation. Emotions that might cause chills include fear or anxiety.

Chills can also be caused by experiences that move you deeply in a positive way, such as listening to music or inspirational words. You may also experience them due to ASMR.

This is sometimes referred to as a “frisson.” It may also be called “chills going up the spine” or “goosebumps.”

Chills without fever can become serious if you’re experiencing frostbite or hypothermia. These conditions can quickly become a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention or care.

Other conditions that cause chills, such as hypothyroidism, require medical support but may not warrant a visit to the emergency room. If you have the symptoms of this thyroid condition, you may want to make an appointment to see a doctor and ask about getting a diagnostic blood test.

If you have symptoms of hypoglycemia but haven’t received a diagnosis of diabetes, contact a doctor or call your local emergency medical services immediately. If you have diabetes and hypoglycemia symptoms that don’t improve with at-home treatment, you may need medical help immediately.

If you have diabetes and your chills are caused by hypoglycemia, take a glucose tablet if you have one. Other ways of balancing your sugar levels include: drinking orange juice or regular soda or eating a few pieces of candy.

If your chills are caused by extreme cold, get yourself dry if you are wet. Layer up and make sure to cover your head, hands, and feet so that you can capture and maintain as much body heat as possible.

You may need medical treatment if your chills don’t go away quickly.

The following includes common questions about having chills without a fever.

In some cases, chills can occur before a fever develops. Chills can also result from other medical conditions, including low blood sugar and malnutrition.

You can have unexplained chills due to the cold, a medical condition like hypothyroidism, or even a strong emotion.

Sometimes, you may develop chills before a fever. But you can also get chills from a cold temperature or health conditions, including dehydration and low blood sugar.

Chills without fever can often be rectified with at-home treatments or modifications of behaviors, such as changing your workout routine. They may also be a sign of a medical condition that requires treatment.

Talk with a doctor if you have chills that don’t go away or regularly experience unexplained chills.

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