A chill is a feeling of cold when the body is exposed to a lower temperature environment, as well as a phase of shivering along with paleness.

Chill in Health: Why Relaxation is Essential for Well-being

“Goosebumps” are associated with a feeling of cold, but are not necessarily related to chills or fevers. In “goosebumps,” body hairs stand up to form an insulating layer.

Chills may occur at the beginning of an infection and are usually associated with fever. They are caused by rapid muscle contractions and relaxations and represent the way the body generates heat when it feels cold. Chills generally predict the onset of fever or an increase in core body temperature.

Chills can also represent a very significant finding and is compatible with certain diseases such as malaria. Chills are common in young children. In general, children tend to have higher fevers than adults. Even minor illnesses can cause high fever in children.

Babies tend not to develop obvious chills, but any episode of fever in a baby 6 months or younger should be reported to a doctor. Fever in babies between 6 months and 1 year should also be reported unless parents are absolutely sure what causes it.

Causes of Chills

Exposure to a cold environment Viral and bacterial infections

• bacterial gastroenteritis
• colds
• infectious mononucleosis
• Flu
• meningitis
• pneumonia
• strep throat
• Viral gastroenteritis
• urinary infections such as pyelonephritis

Home care

Fever (which may accompany chills) is the body’s natural response to a variety of conditions such as infection. If the fever is mild (38.8° C – 102° F or less) and without side effects, no specialized medical treatment is needed. Drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest.

Evaporation cools the skin and therefore reduces body temperature. A bath or sponge bath with warm water at about 70° F (21.1° C) can help reduce a fever. Cold water, in addition to being uncomfortable, can raise fever, as it can trigger chills.

Medications such as paracetamol are effective in combating fever and chills. Do not wrap yourself in blankets if you have a high temperature, as this will only increase the fever.

Home care for the child

If the child’s temperature is above 38.8° C (102° F) or if the child is not feeling well, give him or her fluid or pain reliever, preferably ones that do not contain acetylsalicylic acid ( Aspirin ) such as acetaminophen. Ibuprofen can also be administered. Follow the recommended dosage on the label.

Children who have symptoms of a viral infection should not be given acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

If your child’s temperature is above 102° F (38.8° C) one to two hours after giving fever medicine, soak him up to the navel in a tub of warm water and rub his body with a towel or cloth. a cloth for 20 minutes or as long as he tolerates it. Add warm water as needed to keep the water temperature constant and prevent your child from shivering. Finally, pat it dry with a towel, without rubbing it.

• Dress the child in light clothing, give him fluids, and keep the room at a cool but comfortable temperature.
• Do not use ice water or topical alcohol to lower a child’s temperature, as this may cause shock.
• You don’t wrap a feverish child in blankets.
• Do not wake a sleeping child to give him or her medicine or take his temperature, as sleep is more important