Experiencing chills without the presence of cold can be indicative of various health conditions. A Harvard Health publication explains that chills can be a sign of fever, which is a common symptom of an infection such as the flu. Furthermore, the fight-or-flight response, an automatic reaction of the autonomic nervous system to stress, can also cause chills.

Conditions like Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS), which affects blood flow and nerve signals to the upper body, may also result in a feeling of coldness or chills. Pneumonia, an infection causing fluid or pus in the lungs’ air sacs, is another ailment where fever and chills are prevalent symptoms. It’s important to note that not all chills are related to infectious diseases. For instance, seasonal allergies can trigger an immune response that does not typically cause chills or fever.

Distinguishing between COVID-19 and other illnesses can be challenging since symptoms like fever and chills are common across various diseases. According to Harvard Health, COVID-19 often presents with fever shakes known as rigors, and long COVID symptoms can include a range of effects from joint pain to difficulty breathing.

Understanding the causes of fever is crucial, as outlined by Harvard Health. Infections are the most frequent cause, but other conditions can induce fever as well. When the body begins to fight an infection, it may raise its core temperature, resulting in chills as blood flows away from the extremities to the core.

Recognizing the signs and seeking appropriate treatment is essential for managing the underlying causes of chills without cold. For more detailed information on these health concerns, please refer to the respective Harvard Health articles.