Fever and chills can make people feel tired, uncomfortable, and uncertain about how to manage them so they can recover faster. The condition develops when your body fights an infection and is accompanied by other symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, or stuffy nose. In milder cases, the condition can be managed at home. So knowing the better way to care for yourself can help you feel better soon and support a smoother recovery.
So, if you've been wondering how to deal with a fever and chills, the main focus should be on adequate rest, immediate symptom relief, and active monitoring of your condition.
Here's what you need to understand to deal with a fever and chills.
Why Do Fever and Chills Happen?
A fever is your body's typical response when trying to ward off an infection. When your immune system detects bacteria or a virus, the hypothalamus resets your body's internal thermostat to a higher setting, prompting processes that generate more heat and reduce heat loss (Mayo Clinic).
Fever is often accompanied by chills because your body is trying to raise its temperature. Your muscles start to contract and relax, creating this shivering sensation that generates heat, the same mechanism your body uses when you're simply cold.
Based on the underlying illness, you might even experience:
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Body aches
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Headache
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Fatigue
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Sweating
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Sore throat
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Cough
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Stuffy nose symptoms
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Loss of appetite
Such symptoms typically support your body's recovery process, although the duration varies depending on the underlying cause.
How to Deal With a Fever and Chills at Home
Once symptoms surface, a couple of consistent habits can help the body speed up recovery.
Cooling the Body Safely
The best way to bring a high temperature down doesn't need anything drastic. Simple, gradual methods work best, giving your body sufficient room to regulate itself without triggering additional discomfort or shivering.
Simple ways to cool down
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Use lukewarm, damp cloths
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Wear light, breathable clothing
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Keep the room comfortable
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Avoid sudden cold exposure
These minor changes are often the most reliable way to reduce a fever caused by a cold or flu without causing additional stress.
Managing Chills Without Overheating
Chills can feel uncomfortable, just like the fever itself. It's mainly so when the instinct is to bundle up completely. A lighter approach can help your body adjust smoothly as temperatures stabilize, since piling on too many layers helps trap heat but can also push your temperature higher than it needs to go.
Balancing warmth and comfort
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Use one light blanket
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Remove layers once warm
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Avoid overheating the room
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Check the temperature every few hours
Prevent your temperature from rising by adjusting layers while shivering episodes remain short-lived.
Staying Hydrated Throughout Recovery
Loss of fluid often increases during a fever, making hydration one of the easiest and most effective tools available. The CDC recommends offering clear fluids such as water, broth, or sports drinks regularly, and avoiding alcohol or caffeinated drinks, which can add to fluid loss (CDC).
Fluids that support healing
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Sip water throughout the day
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Add electrolyte drinks if needed
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Include warm broths or soups
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Avoid caffeinated or sugary drinks
Consistent hydration can speed up recovery by regulating body temperature and helping maintain a steady energy level.
Prioritizing Rest and Sleep
The body will repair itself during sleep, making rest one of the most underrated parts of recovery. Pushing through regular responsibilities while unwell often prolongs symptoms rather than reducing their overall duration.
Why rest matters most
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Sleep in a quiet room
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Avoid screens before bedtime
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Skip strenuous activity entirely
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Nap during the day if needed
Providing the body with sufficient rest enables recovery to progress naturally, without undue setbacks or lingering fatigue.
How to Lower a Fever Safely
Most people seek an immediate remedy to lower their fever quickly. The objective is not to eliminate fever completely but to improve comfort while your body fights the infection — many mild fevers linked to a cold or the flu don't need to be treated at all if they aren't causing significant discomfort, according to Mayo Clinic.
You can help lower a fever by:
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Drinking plenty of fluids
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Resting as much as possible
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Wearing lightweight clothing
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Keeping your room comfortably cool
Using an OTC fever reducer as recommended by your healthcare provider is the best course of action. Ensure you avoid taking antibiotics until they have been prescribed for a confirmed bacterial infection.
If you're looking for a nighttime option, AXIV® NightTime is formulated with a fever reducer alongside relief for other common cold and flu symptoms, so you can rest while your body recovers.
Managing Stuffy Nose Symptoms
Most illnesses that cause fever can also lead to a stuffy nose, making breathing harder, especially at night.
You may find relief by:
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Drinking warm fluids
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Using a saline nasal spray or rinse to flush out mucus (Cleveland Clinic)
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Running a cool-mist humidifier to moisten the air
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Taking a warm shower to loosen mucus
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Resting with your head slightly elevated
If your stuffy-nose symptoms become severe, last longer than 10 days, or are accompanied by green or bloody mucus or facial pain, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation, per Cleveland Clinic guidance.
Why People Turn to AXIV® During Recovery
Recovering from a fever is easier, especially when you're not managing it on your own. AXIV® supports everyday recovery moments by offering simple ways to help people cope with the ups and downs of feeling unwell.
Solutions at AXIV® are designed to:
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Support recovery needs
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Offer comfort during illness
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Stay straightforward without any complexity
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Provide options people choose to manage symptoms daily
Supporting Your Recovery with AXIV®
The best way to manage fever and chills is to give your body proper rest. Factors such as proper nutrition, hydration, rest, and following a healthcare provider's advice play a critical part in helping you feel better.
AXIV® is committed to supporting people with reliable healthcare solutions that fit into everyday wellness. AXIV® NightTime is formulated to provide relief from multiple cold and flu symptoms at night, helping you get rest so you can recover sooner.
Disclaimer: This content is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get chills without having a fever? Yes. Chills without a fever are common and are usually caused by cold exposure, low blood sugar, or stress and anxiety, since the same shivering response the body uses to fight infection can also be triggered by cold or an adrenaline surge, even without any rise in body temperature (Cleveland Clinic).
Does a fever always mean you're contagious? Not necessarily. A fever itself is a symptom, not an illness, so whether you're contagious depends on what's causing it. The CDC advises staying home and away from others while you have fever and other respiratory symptoms, and for at least 24 hours after your fever resolves without fever-reducing medication (CDC).
Why do fevers often feel worse at night? Body temperature naturally rises in the evening as part of the body's circadian rhythm, and this normal daily fluctuation can make an existing fever feel more pronounced after dark (Cleveland Clinic).