Treating Muscle Aches Without Fever
Body Aches Or Pains Chills Fever And Shaking
Reviewed on 8/5/2020
There are a few different medical conditions that are strongly associated with:
- Body Aches Or Pains
- Fever
- Shaking
While the symptoms above can be considered a guide to help associate symptoms common among the conditions below, this is not a substitute for a diagnosis from a health care provider. There are many other medical conditions that also can be associated with your symptoms. Below are the top condition matches for your symptom combination from MedicineNet:
Symptoms Of Mononucleosis Or Sinusitis Can Include Headache And Fever
Epstein-Barr virus, which causes most cases of mononucleosis, or mono, is a member of the herpesvirus family and very common, says Strauss. Its notorious for causing a pretty refractory headache, she adds.
The headache caused by an Epstein-Barr virus infection resembles a tension-type headache, with aching pain but not with the other symptoms that often accompany migraine, such as nausea and vomiting, according to the National Headache Foundation.
Sinusitis or a sinus infection due to either a virus or bacterial infection could cause worsened headaches and fever, says Strauss. This can even occur in a person with established migraine if they develop sinus disease, they could have fever with migraine, she says.
Other signs or symptoms of a sinus infection include facial pain, teary or reddened eyes, postnasal drip, and head pain that gets worse while leaning forward, she adds.
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Body Ache And Chills With No Fever
More often than not, viral infections such as flu or common cold cause body ache and chills. However, in some cases, these may not be accompanied or followed by a spike in the body temperature. This HealthHearty write-up lists out the conditions that might cause chills and body ache in the absence of a fever.
More often than not, viral infections such as flu or common cold cause body ache and chills. However, in some cases, these may not be accompanied or followed by a spike in the body temperature. This HealthHearty write-up lists out the conditions that might cause chills and body ache in the absence of a fever.
Pyrexia, which is the medical term for fever, is said to occur when the bodys temperature rises above the normal range. It is considered to be a sign of an infection. However, infections dont always cause a fever. There are times when one experiences other symptoms such as body ache and chills without fever. Basically, chills refer to a sensation of coldness that is caused due to rapid muscle contraction and relaxation. When one feels cold, the rapid contraction and relaxation of muscles helps in the generation of heat. Though chills are often followed by a fever, there are times when one might only experience chills and body ache. The following sections lists out the conditions that might cause chills without fever.
What Tests Will I Need

Most of the time, your healthcare provider will diagnose you based on your symptoms and a physical exam. You may need a throat swab to diagnose strep throat. Your healthcare provider uses a stick with a cotton swab at the end to take a throat sample. They analyze the sample for bacteria to see if you have an infection.
You may need other tests, such as a blood test or imaging scans, to rule out other infections.
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A Hemiplegic Migraine Attack Can Include Fever
Familial hemiplegic migraine and sporadic hemiplegic migraine are both rare types of migraine the two diseases are essentially the same, but FHM is inherited and SHM is not.
The hallmark symptom of this type of migraine is weakness on one side of the body that happens just before or during the headache phase of the migraine attack, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders. A visual aura is usually present in this type of migraine, and visual symptoms can include a bright light in the center of the field of vision that causes blind spots, flashing lights, and double vision.
In severe attacks, hemiplegic migraine can cause confusion, memory loss, personality or behavioral changes, fever, seizures and even coma, according to MedlinePlus.
Youre Having A Panic Attack
Chills can occur if you have a profound or intense emotional reaction to a situation, according to Taroyan. Emotions that might cause chills include fear or anxiety, she says.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, nearly 30% of all adults will experience an anxiety disorder during their lifetime. A panic attack can cause a combination of physical as well as psychological symptoms, including chills, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, dizziness and chest pain. Because of the severity of the symptoms, a panic attack sometimes causes people to think theyre having a heart attack.
If youve never had a panic attack before, seek medical attention. If youve been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, psychotherapy and medication can help.
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The Dangers Behind Lower Back Pain And Fever
Lower back pain is the most common reason stated for work-related absences. This type of pain will often have pronounced impact on overall performance and motivation. But because an achy back caused by occupational factors can often be resolved with a little rest, we tend to brush it off as a trivial problem.
But did you know that some cases of backache might require much more than a rest day? Those that come hand in hand with other symptoms of illness can be indicative of something far worse than just a typical case of a bad back. For instance, a fever coupled with back pain can spell a worlds worth of different conditions. Some of these might be easily remedied with medication and rest. Others could lead to potentially life-threatening complications in the long run.
If youve been having bouts of lower back pain that comes hand in hand with heightened body temperature, it might be time to act. Read on through to find out just what these symptoms might mean.
Of course, as always note that the information in this article is purely informative and should never be used in place of the advice of your treating physicians.
Is It A Cold The Flu Or Covid
Cold symptoms are mild and the common cold tends not to be associated with fever or headache.
Congestion/runny nose is common for the common cold and would be uncommon to be the only symptom for influenza. Congestion/runny nose can be a symptom of a COVID infection and might be the only symptom in mild cases.
Flu symptoms are often of rapid onset. COVID symptoms can be of rapid or more gradual onset.
Says Washer, one symptom that is more unique to a COVID infection is the loss of taste or smell. And symptoms from the delta variant are similar to prior versions of COVID.
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Reducing Fever And Aches With Lifestyle Management
Emergency Cold And Flu Symptoms
In children:
-
Fever above 102°F or a fever that lasts a long time
-
A cold that lasts for more than 10 days
-
Trouble breathing, fast breathing, or wheezing
-
Bluish skin
-
Earache or drainage from the ear
-
Mental changes
-
Flu-like symptoms that get better but come back later with a fever and a worse cough
-
Chronic medical problems that get worse
In adults:
-
Fever above 102°F or a fever that lasts a long time
-
A cold that lasts for more than 10 days
-
Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
-
Pain or pressure in the chest
-
Fainting or feeling like you are about to faint
-
Confusion
-
Very bad pain in your face or forehead
-
Hoarseness, sore throat, or a cough that wonât go away
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You Have Low Blood Sugar
Although many people feel a bit shaky and irritable when they need to eat, true hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, most often occurs in people who have diabetes.
One of the symptoms of hypoglycemia is a feeling of shakiness, which may mimic chills, Taroyan says. Hypoglycemia requires immediate treatment to get blood sugar levels back to normal.
Defined as blood glucose of less than 70 milligrams per deciliter, hypoglycemia can cause a variety of other symptoms, including sweating, confusion, a rapid heartbeat, blurry vision, lightheadedness and drowsiness.
If you have diabetes and you notice these symptoms, follow the 15-15 rule: Have 15 grams of simple carbs, such as a glucose tablet, juice, honey or hard candy, and check your blood glucose again in 15 minutes. Then eat a meal, but dont overeat, or your blood sugar will spike.
Conditions That Can Cause Body Aches And Sore Throat

1. Common Cold
With over 100 types of viruses that create the “common cold” it’s no wonder this illness is one of the major reasons that people head towards the doctor’s office at the first sign of a cough or sneeze. Out of all of the different types of virus, it is the rhinovirus that is the most common and most contagious.
When you feel as if you are coming down with a cold, you may find yourself with some of the following symptoms:
- Stuffed up or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Mild fatigue
2. Flu
What you may think is starting out as a cold could really be the flu, or influenza. This upper respiratory illness can escalate into conditions that are much more serious, such as pneumonia. Older adults, young kids, and people with compromised immune systems that include heart problems, asthma, or diabetes should be extra careful about contracting the flu. The symptoms appear similar to a cold but can include many of the following:
- Dry irritating cough
- Body aches and sore throat
- Muscle soreness
- Stuffed up and runny nose
- Headache
- Chronic fatigue that could last up to 2 weeks
- Diarrhea and/or vomiting in children
3. Pharyngitis
- Headache
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Swollen glands
- Rash on the skin
4. Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, occurs when the thyroid gland is not producing levels of specific hormones. Depending on how severe the case, the symptoms usually start off slowly and increase throughout the years. Signs of hypothyroidism can include:
5. Scarlet Fever
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How Are Body Aches And Covid
It is not uncommon to experience body aches during and after COVID-19. When they have COVID-19, people often spend more time resting and can experience aches, stiff joints, and muscle weakness as a result. Furthermore, remedies used to treat COVID-19 may cause further weakness, strain, or stiffness.
Body aches related to COVID-19 should improve shortly after recovery from the illness. The pain associated with COVID-19 body aches has been described as localized or widespread discomfort, primarily in the shoulders and back. However, aches may occur in any area of the body. Experiencing sensations of pins and needles or general numbness is also common.
Body aches from COVID-19 are treatable with similar methods for addressing pain and stiffness, including pain relievers, heat and cold therapy, and gradual stretching or strengthening exercises. Contact your doctor promptly if your symptoms worsen, you experience breathlessness, or your body aches last longer than 3 months.
When To Seek Emergency Care For Infants And Children
According to the , you should seek medical care immediately if your infant or child has any of the following symptoms:
- irregular breathing, such as difficulties breathing or rapid breathing
- blue tint to skin
Pneumonia is a common complication of the flu. This is especially true for certain high-risk groups, including people over 65, young children, and people with already weakened immune systems.
Visit an emergency room immediately if you have symptoms of pneumonia, including:
- a severe cough with large amounts of phlegm
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- fever higher than 102F that persists, especially if accompanied by chills or sweating
- acute chest pains
- severe chills or sweating
Untreated pneumonia can lead to serious complications and even death. This is especially true in older adults, tobacco smokers, and people with weakened immune systems. Pneumonia is particularly threatening to people with chronic heart or lung conditions.
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When To See Your Doctor About Full
Body aches from a viral illness typically clear up in a couple of days and improve with home remedies. But if your body aches havent gotten better after 3-5 days, check in with your primary care physician .
See a doctor sooner if your body aches:
- Appear after a tick bite
- Accompany severe redness or swelling
- Occur with a rash
If you dont have a fever or other symptoms, and you experience body aches often or for prolonged periods of time, make an appointment with your PCP. It could be a sign of a drug reaction or a more severe and chronic underlying medical condition, such as an autoimmune disease.
If you have body aches that arent improving, reach out to your primary care physician.
How Are Autoinflammatory Diseases Treated
Diagnosing autoinflammatory diseases can be a challenge. Their symptoms mimic those of other serious conditions, such as lupus and lymphoma.
To be sure your condition is accurately diagnosed and managed, its important to consult a rheumatologist with experience in diagnosing and treating these rare conditions.
Proper treatment is important because continuing inflammation can cause amyloidosis , leading to permanent kidney damage, Dr. Brown says.
Doctors arent sure what triggers autoinflammatory flare-ups, but they can limit daily activities. Medication can minimize your symptoms during these episodes.
Hopefully, you can treat your condition as needed if you have flares a few times yearly, you would just take anti-inflammatories during that time, he says. If your disease is more severe, your doctor may be able to offer you other treatment options.
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Why Your Whole Body Aches When Youre Sick
Coming down with a cold, virus or the flu is never fun. But sometimes you can push through if the symptoms arent too bad. Have a sore throat? Gargle. Feeling congested? Take a steam shower. Mild fever? Take fever-reducing medicine. Its bearable, though not ideal.
But once full-body aches set in , you may quickly find yourself out of commission. Unlike the muscle aches that can come on after one too many squats, body aches from an illness tend to cause dull pain and discomfort everywhere.
The good news is you can find some relief from full-body aches right in the comfort of your home. Heres what you need to know:
When To See A Doctor About A Headache And Fever
Having a headache and fever at the same time isnt usually a sign of something serious, but in some cases it can be.
Go to hospital or call an ambulance if you have a bad headache and a fever, and you:
- find the headache suddenly becomes really bad
- have a stiff neck or a sensitivity to bright lights
- are vomiting, feel confused or are having fits
- have blurred or double vision
- have a rash that doesnt fade when you press on it or roll a glass over it
- have trouble speaking
- have drooping on one side of your face, numbness in your arms or legs, or trouble moving your arms or legs
- feel unwell or have other
- have swelling or redness around your eye thats spreading
- are fainting
See a doctor as soon as possible if you have a headache and fever, and:
- your symptoms get worse, dont get better with painkillers or keep coming back
- your headache is worse when you lie or bend down
- youre over 65, pregnant or have a long-term medical condition
- you have a weak immune system (e.g. from
- youve recently travelled to an area with malaria or dengue fever
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