Cold chills occur as a result of a rapid succession of muscle contractions and relaxations that are triggered by the body in an effort to increase body temperature and stay warm. In normal circumstances, cold chills occur as a natural body response to being exposed to cold temperatures. In some cases, the presence of cold chills can indicate underlying sickness or medical conditions. These episodes of cold chills often signify a fever as well.
Seasonal Influenza
Seasonal influenza is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. The viruses that cause influenza are spread between individuals from airborne particles that are dispersed during sneezing or coughing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the infection can be spread from up to 6 feet away. Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle and body aches, headaches, fatigue, and cold chills. Most people who get influenza fully recover with no treatment in less than two weeks. High risk individuals, such as elderly adults or infants, may develop more serious complications, such as pneumonia. In these circumstances, hospitalization may be required.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection in the throat caused by the Streptococcus bacterium. According to MedlinePlus, it is the most common bacterial infection of the throat. The infection is highly contagious and can be spread by contact with saliva and nasal secretion of infected individuals. Symptoms of strep throat can range in severity between individuals, but the most common symptoms include fever, redness of the throat, sore throat, headache, stomachache, nausea, malaise, loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and cold chills. Occasionally, white pus may streak the tonsils as well. Strep throat can go away on its own without treatment, but antibiotics are usually used to speed up the process and reduce the severity of symptoms. MedlinePlus notes that the entire round of antibiotics needs to be taken even if symptoms go away before the medication is gone.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that is usually caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. The condition occurs when harmful organisms enter the lungs and get attacked by white blood cells in an effort to stave off infection. In the effort to protect the lungs, the white blood cells cause air sacs in the lungs called alveoli to become inflamed and filled with fluid. This can cause shortness of breath, fever, cough, sweating, cold chills, chest pain, headache, muscle pain and fatigue. Treatment for pneumonia depends on the type of infectious organism that is causing the infection. Bacterial pneumonia and fungal pneumonia can usually be successfully treated with antibiotics and antifungal medications, respectively. Viral pneumonia has no effective medical treatment and usually goes away on its own after periods of rest and increased fluid intake. Most people recover from pneumonia easily, but high risks groups such as elderly adults or immune-compromised individuals may require hospitalization.
