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Getting To The Bottom Of Body Aches, Chills, And No Fever
Medically reviewed by Kashif J. Piracha, MD
Body aches and chills often occur with or before a fever. But you can also experience them without being sick or running a fever. Body aches are typically due to inflammation (swelling) or muscle tension. Chills (shivering) are how the body warms itself up. They are the result of the muscles rapidly contracting and relaxing.
Having body aches and chills without a fever can occur for multiple reasons, including:
Cold weather
Stress
Dehydration
Chronic health conditions
Allergies
Infections (sometimes they cause a fever, but not always)
Understanding and treating the root cause of body aches and chills with no fever can help you find relief. This article reviews some causes of body aches and chills without a fever. It also covers home remedies and what to do if your symptoms worsen or don't go away.
Causes: Why Do I Have Body Aches and Chills but No Fever?Infection, illness, inflammation, allergies, or immune system problems can cause body aches and chills. But this can happen for less alarming reasons, including weather, stress, and other lifestyle factors.
Cold ExposureCold weather or consistently working with cold substances can trigger body aches and chills. When you get cold, the blood vessels near your skin constrict (narrow). Your body does this to conserve heat and keep your vital organs (heart, brain, etc.) warm.
This constriction causes blood flow to decrease peripherally, activating internal heating mechanisms like shivering or muscle contraction to warm up, causing chills, aches, or stiffness.
StressWhen you feel stress or anxiety, your body releases adrenaline (a chemical that gives you a quick burst of energy when the brain perceives danger), known as the fight-or-flight response.
Fight-or-flight causes your heart to beat faster and your muscles to tense. The muscle tension, especially with persistent stress, can cause body aches. Chills can occur with stress because it can alter how your body controls temperature.
DehydrationDehydration is when you don't have enough fluids in your body. It can occur because you aren't drinking enough or your body is getting rid of fluid too fast. Your body may lose fluid too quickly due to vomiting or diarrhea, excessive sweating or urination, skin burns or infections, or malnutrition.
Your body needs water for most of its functions. So, dehydration can cause some surprising symptoms and cause you to feel bad.
It can make your heart work extra hard to push blood out to the rest of the body. Since water is an important component of muscle tissue, dehydration leads to body aches. It can also make it more difficult for the body to regulate temperature, causing chills.
Viral InfectionYour immune system fights a virus, such as a cold or the flu, by releasing inflammatory chemicals. This process is what makes you feel achy or have a sore throat.
Your body may also raise your temperature in an attempt to kill the virus. Sometimes, this results in chills, a fever, or both. You can also get chills before getting a fever.
COVID-19The coronavirus (COVID-19) is also a virus that can cause body aches and chills with no fever or before a fever. While this is not an exhaustive list, other symptoms of COVID-19 include:
You can also have COVID-19 without displaying any symptoms.
Bacterial InfectionBacterial infections, such as strep throat, pneumonia, and Lyme disease, result in body aches or chills with or without a fever for reasons similar to viral infections. Some bacteria release toxins that cause inflammation, resulting in muscle aches. Also, the immune system responds to bacteria by releasing chemicals that cause inflammation and discomfort.
Chills can occur when the body tries to raise its temperature to kill the bacteria. This happens before a fever or without the body temperature getting high enough to be a fever.
MedicationsExamples of medications that can cause body aches or chills include:
Certain antibiotics (medicines for bacterial infections)
Statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs)
Narcotic (opiate pain medication) side effects or withdrawal
Serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant
Diuretics
Chemotherapy (cancer treatment)
While this is not an exhaustive list, examples of chronic conditions that could cause these body aches and chills without a fever include:
Seasonal AllergiesCongestion, sneezing, or watery eyes are common seasonal allergy symptoms. While less common, allergies can also cause body aches and chills when the immune system sees the allergen as a threat and activates an inflammatory response.
Lack of SleepSleep deprivation can lead to inflammation or make inflammatory responses worse. It can also cause physical symptoms that can contribute to body aches and chills, such as:
Fatigue
Weakness
Muscle tension
Pain
Altered immune system
Hormone imbalance
For some people, menstrual (period) cramps can cause nausea, headaches, body aches, and chills. This is most likely due to the prostaglandins (chemicals that cause inflammation) the body releases during menstruation.
Hormone changes can contribute to inflammation and changes in how the body regulates temperature. For example, if estrogen levels drop, females may experience night sweats, hot flashes, and body aches. Chills can follow hot flashes or night sweats as the body tries to cool down.
Home Remedies for Body Aches and ChillsReducing chills and body aches depends on the underlying cause. Here are some ways to find relief at home.
Heat TherapySometimes, rest and a warm bath or shower, a warm compress, heating pads, or a hot water bottle can help warm you up and relax your muscles. Consider adding Epsom salt to your bathwater for added benefits.
HydrationIf dehydration is the culprit, symptoms typically resolve once you consume enough fluids. Keep a bottle or glass of water close by and drink regularly.
If you don't have a fever, consider warm lemon water, herbal teas, or clear broths to help warm the body. Ginger tea is a good choice as it can help decrease inflammation.
Light ExerciseGentle exercises like stretching, Pilates, yoga, or walking can help reduce muscle aches, increase blood flow to the body, and decrease stress. However, it's important not to overdo it, as overly strenuous exercise can cause muscle strain and body aches.
Over the Counter (OTC) MedicationsOver-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen) can help relieve inflammation and block pain. NSAIDS can cause stomach ulcers and kidney injury, while Tylenol should be used with caution in people with liver disease.
If you think allergies could be the underlying cause, consider OTC allergy medications.
Consult a healthcare provider before beginning new medicines (including OTC medications), vitamins, supplements, or herbal remedies. They could interact with other medications or cause complications for those with certain health conditions.
Relaxation and Stress ManagementStress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, can calm and relax the body and mind, decreasing stress. You can try simple deep breathing by inhaling deeply through the nose, holding your breath for a few seconds, and exhaling slowly through the mouth.
Or, you can try the 4-7-8 breathing technique as follows:
Take a deep breath in through your nose for four seconds.
Hold your breath for seven seconds.
Exhale through your mouth for eight seconds.
Repeat several times.
Some studies show that magnesium supplementation helps decrease stress and pain, especially for those with chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia or restless leg syndrome. It also helps increase sleep quality.
Many people take magnesium pills orally, but others use it topically (rubbing magnesium oil or lotion on their feet, legs, hands, etc.).
Medical TreatmentMedical treatment depends on the underlying cause. For example, you may need medications to treat an underlying chronic illness or antibiotics for a bacterial infection. Chronic stress could require help from a mental health professional through treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Signs of Worsening Body Aches and ChillsThe following are signs that the underlying cause of body aches and chills requires medical attention:
High fever, above 102 degrees F
Severe pain not relieved by over-the-counter medications or home remedies
Persistent symptoms that go on for several days or get worse.
Difficulty breathing, chest pain
Confusion or changes in mental alertness
Rash or changes in the skin, including redness and swelling
Nausea and vomiting
Joint pain and stiffness, especially if it persists
Notify a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or a weakened immune system.
SummaryBody aches and chills can occur with or without a fever. While an infection or illness can be the underlying cause, this can also result from cold exposure, stress, allergies, dehydration, or medications.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For example, heat therapy can help with cold exposure or muscle tension. However, an infection may require antiviral or antibiotic medication. If home treatment does not resolve symptoms or they worsen, seek medical attention.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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Is It Possible To Have Pneumonia Without A Fever?
Pneumonia causes inflammation in the air sacs, or alveoli, of one or both lungs. Although a fever is a common symptom of pneumonia, it is possible for a person to have pneumonia without a fever.
Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that affects the lungs and typically causes symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.
A fever means that a person has a body temperature of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or above. It occurs as a response to an infection in the body. Although fever is a common symptom of pneumonia, it may not occur in some people.
This article will discuss who might not experience a fever alongside pneumonia. It will also look at the other symptoms of pneumonia and when to see a doctor.
It is possible for a person to have pneumonia without experiencing a fever.
One 2018 article notes that the symptoms of pneumonia do not always occur at the same time. It also states that some groups of people may not experience all of the typical symptoms of pneumonia.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, infants, older adults, and those who have a weakened immune system may experience atypical symptoms, such as a lower-than-normal temperature as opposed to a fever.
The American Lung Association (ALA) state that older adults and those with weakened immune systems may also present with fewer or milder symptoms. Older adults may also experience confusion.
Learn more about the symptoms of pneumonia in older adults here.
The symptoms of pneumonia in infants may include:
According to the National Health Service (NHS), the most common symptoms of pneumonia usually include:
Some less common symptoms include:
The symptoms and when they appear can vary depending on the type of pneumonia a person has.
The different types of pneumonia and their typical symptoms include:
BacterialThis is a common cause of pneumonia in adults. In the United States, the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Bacterial pneumonia can develop on its own or after a person has a cold or the flu.
The ALA note that the symptoms can appear gradually or suddenly and typically include:
Some bacteria can cause bacterial pneumonia with atypical symptoms. This is called atypical pneumonia. One example of this includes "walking pneumonia," which can cause milder symptoms.
Learn more about the differences between pneumonia and walking pneumonia here.
ViralViral pneumonia typically occurs due to the common cold or the influenza virus.
The symptoms can appear over a period of several days. Early symptoms include:
Learn more about viral pneumonia here.
FungalThis may occur after inhaling fungal spores. These may come from environmental materials such as soil or animal droppings.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who have a weakened immune system may be more likely to develop fungal pneumonia.
Symptoms can appear over several days or weeks and typically include:
Those staying in a hospital may develop a form of pneumonia that occurs when the breathing tubes that medical professionals use to support breathing cause damage in the lungs.
Symptoms include:
Aspiration pneumonia can occur when a person inhales foreign objects, such as food, saliva, or vomit that contains germs.
Symptoms include:
Learn more about aspiration pneumonia here.
A person should seek medical help if they have any symptoms of pneumonia.
However, a person needs urgent medical help if they have any of the following symptoms:
The treatment for pneumonia will depend on its cause. For example, the ALA note that antibiotics are available to treat bacterial pneumonia.
However, if the pneumonia is viral, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medications.
A person can also treat the symptoms of pneumonia at home by:
Learn more about home remedies for pneumonia here.
It is important to note that aspirin is not suitable for children to take. This is due to its association with Reye's syndrome, which can cause brain and liver damage.
According to the ALA, some complications of pneumonia may include:
Groups who have a higher chance of developing complications due to pneumonia include:
It is possible for a person to have pneumonia without a fever. However, this appears to be more likely in older adults, infants, and those with weakened immune systems.
Instead, these groups may experience a lower-than-normal body temperature.
Also, a person may not experience all of the symptoms of pneumonia at the same time, or they may not develop some of the typical symptoms at all.
Although a person can usually manage the symptoms of pneumonia at home, they should seek medical help to ensure that their symptoms do not worsen.
Genetically Modified Mosquitoes And Vaccines -- What To Know About Dengue Fever
More than 3 million cases of dengue fever have been reported in the Americas this year with over 882 in the United States, according to the CDC. This is the second highest annual rate in the Americas since 1980.
Dengue is spread through mosquitoes, which thrive at hotter temperatures and humid conditions. These conditions have become more frequent in the past few years as a result of record heat and extreme weather, which results in more cases of dengue, according to Nature.
Experts say the rise in cases are a "canary in a coal mine" for what is to come as we see changes in rainfall and temperature patterns.
The cases in the U.S. Have increased from 814 in 2021 to 2,261 in 2022, and over 50% of these cases have been locally acquired in the United States. The disease has been circulating in California, Florida, Texas and New York, but cases in the U.S. Have been growing over the past few years, and are expected to rise with climate change and urbanization.
"This is concerning," says Dr. Krutika Kuppalli, infectious disease physician and chair of the Infectious Disease Society of the Americas Global Health.
The growing number of cases are a signal that public health officials in the U.S. And around the world need to invest more resources into tracking and protecting against dengue, Kuppalli says. Officials have not been tracking as much as they should because resources were allocated to COVID-19 management, she says.
"A lot of people think that the United States is impervious to mosquito-borne illness," says Dr. Amesh Adalja, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. "That's just not true," he added.
Sick of mosquito bites? Here are tips to avoid sneaky ankle biters
Here is what you need to know about dengue fever including what it is, signs, symptoms, treatment, and how to prevent it.
What is dengue fever?Dengue fever is a virus spread to people through Aedes mosquitos. These mosquitoes also spread Zika, chikungunya, and other viruses. A person can be infected with dengue multiple times in their life, according to the CDC.
What are the symptoms?Most people infected with dengue will have mild or no symptoms. If symptoms occur, they usually appear between 4-10 days after a mosquito bite and last for 2-7 days, according to the World Health Organization. People typically get better in 1-2 weeks. Symptoms include headache, high fever, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands and rash.
Mild symptoms can be confused with other illnesses that can cause fever, aches, pains and/or rash. In rare cases, dengue can be severe. "People do not realize that it can cause serious infection or lead to death," Kuppalli says.
Severe dengue is a medical emergency and can get worse rapidly. Those who have had an infection before are more likely to develop a severe infection. People with severe dengue may have severe abdominal pain, rapid breathing, increased thirst, blood in vomit or stool, pale and cold skin, persistent vomiting, blood in gums or nose and weakness.
Those who have severe symptoms should seek medical attention right away.
Aedes Aegypti Mosquitoes (Photo by: IMAGE POINT FR/NIH/NIAID/BSIP //Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
What is the treatment?There are no antiviral treatments for dengue, Adalja says.
People are treated with fluids and medications that can control pain and bring down a fever, like acetaminophen. The CDC and WHO recommend avoiding aspirin and ibuprofen, which can increase the risk of bleeding.
Is there a vaccine?A dengue vaccine is approved for use in children between ages 9-16 with previous laboratory-confirmed dengue infection. They must also be living in areas where dengue occurs frequently or continuously. That includes some areas like the U.S. Territories of American Samoa, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.
"It's really beneficial in those individuals who have had one type of dengue before," says Dr. Adalja. The vaccine is not approved for Americans who are simply traveling to areas with high levels of dengue.
How do we prevent it?If you are traveling or living in an area with dengue, the best way to prevent infection is by preventing mosquito bites, according to the CDC. Steps you can take include, wearing protective clothing, applying insect repellent with DEET, Picaridin or IR3535, using mosquito nets and using window screens.
Some regions take steps to control the mosquito population by removing places where mosquitoes lay eggs, killing eggs with larvicides and killing the adult population with adulticides. Others use methods include the use of genetically modified mosquitoes, which have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in some counties in Texas and Florida.
These mosquitoes have a gene that prevents female mosquitoes from living to adulthood, so they can't continue to reproduce - which reduces the population. "Genetically modified mosquitoes are an important tool," Dr. Adalja says.
The EPA says that use of genetically modified mosquitoes poses no risk to people, animals or the environment.
Adiba Matin M.D. Is a resident physician in emergency medicine at the Mayo Clinic and is a member of the ABC News Medical Unit.
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