Have you ever gotten the chills without having a fever? “I can be at a perfectly comfortable temperature for hours, not feel cold, and suddenly get chills over my whole body,” one MyLupusTeam member said. Another member shared, “Yesterday I woke up feeling cold, even though the temperature indoors was over 70 degrees Fahrenheit. I had to put the central heating on, and even when dressed, I still felt shivery.”

Fever is a common symptom of lupus. But some people with lupus get chills without fever — sometimes on only one side of the body. While chills can be a symptom of lupus, they can also happen without a fever, due to unrelated conditions.

Read on to learn more about possible reasons you might be experiencing chills without fever if you’re living with lupus and ways you can manage this uncomfortable symptom.

Does Lupus Cause Chills?

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to malfunction. There are different types of lupus. The most common one is systemic lupus erythematosus. Normally, your body makes proteins called antibodies to fight off foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. In autoimmune disorders such as lupus, these antibodies mistakenly target the body’s own organs and tissues.

This misguided immune response can cause a wide range of symptoms. Chills are not generally considered a common symptom of lupus. But because lupus can affect many parts of the body, some people may experience chills as part of their overall condition.

Common symptoms of lupus include:

• Fatigue
• Joint pain or muscle pain
• Mouth sores
• Fever
• Skin rashes
• Hair loss
• Chest pain

Lupus is a complex disease that can affect many organs and systems in the body. Some people develop a kidney condition called lupus nephritis. Others may have problems involving the heart, lungs, or nervous system. Lupus can also affect blood cells, leading to anemia (low red blood cell levels) or blood clots.

How can lupus cause the chills? Lupus can sometimes mimic flu-like symptoms, sometimes causing only fever. Some people with lupus report body temperature changes that seem to come and go. While people living with lupus may not always experience symptoms, symptoms can be triggered by environmental and emotional stressors. These stressors may set off what’s known as a flare-up of symptoms. A lupus flare is a period when symptoms suddenly worsen or reappear.

What Else Can Cause Chills Without Fever?

Chills without fever can be caused by other conditions besides lupus. It’s important to consider other possible explanations so you can get the right diagnosis and treatment. Here we’ll review some of the other causes and other symptoms you can look out for.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which you have an underactive thyroid gland. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in making and releasing hormones that regulate metabolism. When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, it can lead to symptoms, including:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Constipation
• Slower reflexes

People with hypothyroidism can also experience chills or cold intolerance, because their metabolism slows down.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia — low blood sugar levels — can also cause chills. Other symptoms may include sweating, shakiness, and feeling nervous. Keeping your blood sugar levels stable is important for preventing hypoglycemia.

Cold Temperatures

Being exposed to cold temperatures can also cause chills. When the body is exposed to cold air or a cold environment, it responds by constricting (narrowing) blood vessels. This process holds in heat to help maintain a stable internal body temperature. This response can cause chills, even if you don’t have an underlying medical condition.

Other Conditions

Other conditions can lead to chills without fever, including anemia, infections, or menopause. Your doctor can help determine whether any of these conditions might be causing your symptoms.

• Anemia — When your body doesn’t make enough red blood cells, your blood carries less oxygen. This can cause fatigue, headaches, weakness, and sometimes chills.
• Infections — Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites can cause chills, often along with a fever. Sometimes a mild or early urinary infection may cause chills before a fever develops.
• Menopause — During menopause, people may experience cold chills, hot flashes, or both. Hormonal changes in people of reproductive age can also cause chills and hot flashes.

Medication Side Effects

Some prescription medications can cause chills as a side effect. These include some medicines used to treat lupus, including:

• Corticosteroids (also known as steroids), such as prednisone
• Belimumab (Benlysta) — this medication can sometimes cause chills as part of an infusion reaction or because it increases the risk of infections
• Immunosuppressants, including methotrexate

If you’re experiencing chills without an obvious cause, it’s important to contact your doctor. They can examine you and run tests to help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms. Once your doctor determines the cause, they can recommend the best treatment to help relieve your chills.

Treating Chills

Living with chills — even without a fever — can be uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are ways to manage this symptom and feel better.

Change the Temperature

To ease chills, try adjusting your surroundings. You can change the thermostat at home or avoid extreme temperatures outdoors. One MyLupusTeam member shared that they wear a “heated jacket powered by a rechargeable battery” to help with their chills. Some people even choose to live in milder climates to prevent symptoms from getting worse.

Over-the-Counter Medications

If your chills are related to an illness like the flu, you may find relief with over-the-counter medications. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can help ease discomfort associated with chills and other lupus symptoms.

Even though NSAIDs are over-the-counter medications, it’s still best to talk to your doctor before using them — especially if you have lupus or other health conditions. Your doctor can guide you on how to use them safely and check for possible interactions with your current medications.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you often experience chills without a fever, reach out to your doctor. Chills may be a sign of infection or an oncoming lupus flare that needs medical attention. Your healthcare team can run tests, find the underlying cause, and recommend treatment to help you feel more comfortable and stay healthy.

Get Support From Your Team

On MyLupusTeam, people share their experiences with lupus, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Does lupus make you feel cold? Let others know in the comments below.