US Medical Term · symptoms
Chills
Escalofríos
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Chills |
| Spanish (Español) | Escalofríos |
| Chinese (中文) | 畏寒 |
| Korean (한국어) | 오한 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Ớn lạnh |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Panginig / Panlalamig |
| Portuguese (Português) | Calafrios |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | หนาวสั่น |
| Japanese (日本語) | 悪寒 |
What it means
Chills are episodes of shivering and feeling cold, often without an obvious environmental cause. They most often accompany fever as the body tries to raise its temperature to fight infection. Common infectious causes include the flu, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and malaria. Chills also occur with low blood sugar and certain medications. Rigors are severe uncontrollable shaking chills associated with high fever and can indicate a serious infection such as sepsis. Call 911 or go to the ER if chills come with a very high fever above 103°F (39.4°C), confusion, difficulty breathing, rash, or rapid heartbeat, as these may indicate life-threatening infection requiring emergency treatment.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have been shaking with chills and my temperature is 102°F.
He estado temblando con escalofríos y mi temperatura es de 102°F (38.9°C).
I am freezing cold and shaking even though I am under several blankets.
Siento mucho frío y estoy temblando aunque esté debajo de varias cobijas.
I suddenly started having severe chills and rigors that I cannot control.
De repente comencé a tener escalofríos severos e incontrolables.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
R68 Other general symptoms and signsRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026