What to do if…
you develop shaking chills and feel suddenly much sicker than a typical viral illness

What to do now

1. Check for emergency red flags now. Call 999 or go to A&E if any apply:

   • Acting confused, slurred speech, not making sense, or difficult to wake
   • Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips, or tongue
   • Difficulty breathing, breathlessness, or breathing very fast
   • A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it
   • Collapse, feeling unable to stay upright safely, or feeling that you are rapidly deteriorating

2. If you do not have those red flags, still treat this as urgent. Contact your local urgent medical help route now, such as 111 where available, if any apply:

   • You feel very unwell or like something is seriously wrong
   • You have not had a pee all day
   • You keep vomiting or cannot keep fluids down
   • You have swelling or pain around a cut or wound
   • You have a very high or low temperature, feel hot or cold to the touch, or are shivering

3. Use clear words when you ask for help: “I have shaking chills or rigors, and I feel suddenly much sicker than a typical viral illness.”

4. If you are waiting for a call back or transport, write down the basics:

   • When the chills started and how fast you worsened
   • Your temperature, if you can check it safely
   • Whether you are breathless at rest or breathing much faster than normal
   • Whether you can answer simple questions clearly, such as your name, where you are, and the date
   • Whether you have passed urine today
   • Any new severe chest, abdomen, back, flank, head or neck pain
   • Any relentless vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, wound pain or rapidly spreading redness

5. Make it easier for clinicians to act quickly:

   • Keep your medication list, allergies, major conditions and pregnancy status ready.
   • Mention recent infection symptoms, wounds, dental problems, surgery, new medicines, travel or close contact with someone ill.
   • Say early if you have a weakened immune system, chemotherapy, transplant medicines, high-dose steroids, pregnancy or a major long-term illness.

6. Reduce risk while you wait:

   • Ask someone to stay with you, or stay on the phone with you, until you are assessed.
   • Sip fluids if you can keep them down.
   • Take paracetamol for fever or aches only if you can take it safely and follow the label; do not let feeling temporarily better delay urgent assessment.

7. Escalate if anything changes. If you become confused, very breathless, develop a non-fading rash, collapse, or feel you are rapidly deteriorating, call 999.