We learned the coronavirus warning symptoms were dry cough, fever, and shortness of breath as we watched the Wuhan epidemic emerge. With the wisdom of hindsight, we now know there are other early warning COVID-19 signs too. Today we turn our attention to chills and fever-shaking symptoms. However what follows is not medical advice.
COVID-19 Warnings: Chills and Fever-Shaking
Our immune system responds like a first response team when an infection enters our body. This invasion includes the arrival of the SARS-CoV-2 virus causing COVID-19, but it is broader than that. Our internal body heat increases rapidly in an attempt to kill the malign virus or bacteria. However, that heat has to come from somewhere.
Stacy Kish from University of Utah explains what happens next. Blood flows from our extremities, fingers and toes to our core heart and brain zones. The goal is to raise body temperature above the norm of 98.6 ºF / 37.0 ºC. However, there is a corresponding loss of warmth in our body’s extremities that leads to chills and fever-shaking.
Huddling Under a Blanket and Trying to Stay Warm
Our body begins to shiver and shake to generate more compensating warmth. This is why we put on warm clothes and huddle under a blanket despite the fact we are developing a fever. We could take medication to cool our body and stop the shaking. But that could diminish the effectiveness or our immune system response.
Chills and fever-shaking are indications we may have a viral or a bacterial infection. Both of these kinds are infectious, so it’s best to retire to our room, stay warm, and wait for our body to restore the balance.
Have a companion contact a medical provider for information. However, if we develop one or more of the other COVID-19 warning signs, then we should contact our local pandemic center and follow their advice.
Related
Severe COVID-19 Symptoms to Watch For
The Flip Side Of a Negative COVID-19 Test
Preview Image: Abnormal Body Temperatures
