Differential Diagnosis for Chills
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Influenza: This is often the first consideration for chills, especially during flu season, due to its high prevalence and the common presentation of chills along with fever, cough, and body aches.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Pneumonia: Chills can be a symptom of pneumonia, particularly bacterial pneumonia, which often presents with high fever, chills, and cough.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Especially in older adults or those with certain risk factors, UTIs can cause chills, fever, and dysuria.
- Malaria: In travelers to or residents of endemic areas, malaria should be considered, as it classically presents with cyclical fevers and chills.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Sepsis: Although not the most common cause of chills, sepsis is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate recognition and treatment. It can present with fever, chills, tachycardia, and hypotension.
- Meningitis: This is an infection of the meninges that can present with fever, chills, headache, and stiff neck. It's critical to diagnose and treat promptly to prevent serious complications or death.
- Endocarditis: Infective endocarditis, an infection of the heart valves, can cause fever, chills, and may have a subtle presentation, making it easy to miss but critical not to.
- Rare diagnoses
- Brucellosis: A zoonotic infection that can cause undulant fever, chills, and malaise, typically in individuals who work with animals or consume unpasteurized dairy products.
- Lymphoma: Certain types of lymphoma can present with systemic symptoms including fever, chills, and night sweats.
- Tuberculosis: While more commonly associated with chronic symptoms, TB can occasionally present acutely with fever, chills, and other systemic symptoms, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.