When the brain raises the temperature set point in the body, a person gets a feeling of cold. This feeling may stop if the new set point is reached. Shivering may even occur, as the body tries to use muscle movement to raise the temperature. An example is systemic lupus erythematosus , which can affect many areas of the body. In some cases, the cause is unknown.
Many elderly people feel cold at temperatures that younger people find normal.
This is generally considered a normal effect of aging. Prevention of chills is related to the cause, but is often not possible. Avoiding sick people and medications that can cause chills may help prevent some cases. Diagnosis of chills begins with a history and physical exam. This may be all that is needed.