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What are the Most Common Causes of Chills and Fatigue?

Harriette Halepis
Harriette Halepis

Generally, chills and fatigue are signs that the body is trying to ward off an infection of some kind. These symptoms can also be associated with a number of different illnesses including anemia, hepatitis, allergic reactions, diabetes, and many other diseases. Since it is hard to determine the exact cause of chills and fatigue, it is wise to keep track of daily body temperatures.

Keep track of how long the symptoms last. If these symptoms are accompanied by common cold or flu symptoms, there is no need to seek medical attention, since these feelings will likely dissipate as soon as a cold or flu has run its course. If the problems last for more than two weeks without any signs of cold or flu, it is best to seek medical attention immediately.

It may be helpful to keep track of daily body temperatures when experiencing chills and fatigue.
It may be helpful to keep track of daily body temperatures when experiencing chills and fatigue.

In order to assist a medical doctor with making a proper diagnosis, it is a wise idea to write down daily body temperatures. In addition, recording the things that a person does and eats each day will provide a medical expert with insight into a specific medical problem. Also, make sure to tell a medical practitioner about any medications that are currently being taken, since some medications can cause chills and fatigue to occur.

Diabetics may experience chills and fatigue.
Diabetics may experience chills and fatigue.

The best way for a medical expert to diagnose any physical ailment associated with chills and fatigue is to conduct a complete examination. A doctor will listen for heart murmurs, check one's thyroid gland, and test for infection. In some instances, blood may also be drawn in order to discern whether or not a patient is suffering from a serious medical condition including diabetes or hepatitis.

Chills and fatigue may occur as a result of a bad cold.
Chills and fatigue may occur as a result of a bad cold.

In most instances, the cause of fatigue and chills can be easily diagnosed. Likewise, providing a patient with an effective treatment option is typically fast. Attempting to diagnose oneself in this instance is not recommended, since many different physical ailments can contribute to cold sweats and exhaustion.

Women who could be pregnant should also note that night sweats and exhaustion are typical signs of pregnancy. The easiest way to test for pregnancy is to purchase an over-the-counter test kit. If a pregnancy test is positive, contact a medical expert right away. While waiting for a medical appointment, these symptoms can be alleviated temporarily by resting, eating properly, and using cool cloths to lower body temperature. It is not recommended that a person experiencing these symptoms exercise strenuously or avoid proper sleep.

Discussion Comments

StarJo
I started feeling fatigued before I realized that I was sick. Once I got a fever and chills, I stopped trying to fight the fatigue and went home to confine myself to bed.

I had gotten the flu from my little sister. It had started out with a general sore feeling all over and an extreme tiredness. I felt as though I had been doing hard physical work for hours, but I had done nothing.

Once the hot flashes came, I realized what was happening. I took my temperature and saw that I had a fever of 100 degrees. After I went to bed, I started shivering like crazy, and I had to wrap up in a blanket.

I would alternate between shaking all over with chills and sweating out my fever with hot flashes. I felt really delirious, and I think I even hallucinated a little.

orangey03

Fatigue is also a symptom of your body overheating. If it is accompanied by chills, then you had better get out of the heat fast.

I had a friend who did a lot of outdoor work year-round, and he became overheated a time or two. He would sweat so much that his body would be coated in liquid. Though this was meant to cool him down, it wasn't supposed to cause chills.

He actually fell over from heat fatigue once after experiencing chills. His boss made him go to the hospital and told him he could not return to work until a few days later.

Some bosses would not be so understanding. I'm glad he had one who actually valued the health and safety of his workers, instead of treating them like slaves.

healthy4life

@kylee07drg – I had problems like this a few years ago. I had constant tiredness, and I just felt cold, even when everyone else in the room was warm.

My coworkers thought something was wrong with me, because I would bring a fuzzy sweater to work and wear it during the summer. I just could not tolerate the chill of the air conditioning, even when other people thought it was too warm in there.

At the urging of my boss, I went to have my thyroid tested, but my doctor said it was fine. She said that maybe it was because I had lost thirteen pounds in the past year. She thought maybe I just didn't have enough fat to insulate my body.

The cold and tired feelings did start once I lost the weight, so I suppose being skinny really can cause issues. I didn't want to be warm and energetic badly enough to gain the weight back, though, so I just kept wearing the sweaters.

kylee07drg

I had been having dizziness and fatigue for quite some time. Also, even though it was hot outside, I stayed cold all the time.

My family told me that they thought I must have a thyroid problem, since this could cause a person to feel cold and tired all the time. I went to my doctor, who tested my blood and determined that I had hypothyroidism.

She put me on a thyroid hormone medicine and made me come back for checkups regularly. She adjusted it as needed, and within a few months, I was able to stop taking it. My hormonal balance had just gotten out of whack, and the medicine whipped it back into shape.

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    • It may be helpful to keep track of daily body temperatures when experiencing chills and fatigue.
      By: David Stuart
      It may be helpful to keep track of daily body temperatures when experiencing chills and fatigue.
    • Diabetics may experience chills and fatigue.
      By: Alexander Raths
      Diabetics may experience chills and fatigue.
    • Chills and fatigue may occur as a result of a bad cold.
      By: Voyagerix
      Chills and fatigue may occur as a result of a bad cold.
    • Blood may be drawn to rule out serious medical conditions that cause chills and fatigue.
      By: TRITOOTH
      Blood may be drawn to rule out serious medical conditions that cause chills and fatigue.
    • Rest and sleep can help alleviate symptoms of chills and fatigue.
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      Rest and sleep can help alleviate symptoms of chills and fatigue.
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      Night sweats and fatigue are common signs of pregnancy.
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