Food poisoning is an unpleasant experience that can come on suddenly and leave you feeling miserable for hours, or even days. While nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps are well-known symptoms, many people are surprised when they also experience chills or feel unusually cold. This often leads to concern that something more serious is going on. So, does food poisoning cause chills? The answer is yes, chills can be a symptom of foodborne illness, and understanding why they happen can help you recognize when it’s time to seek medical care.
For walk-in food poisoning treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Aurora Havana. Our medical team specializes in diagnosing and treating food poisoning, 7 days a week with no appointment required. If you’d like to plan your visit in advance, just book below.
Why Food Poisoning Can Cause Chills
Chills usually occur when your body is reacting to an infection or toxin. In cases of food poisoning, your immune system activates to fight harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites that enter your body through contaminated food or beverages. Here are the most common reasons chills occur with food poisoning:
1. Fever Response
Many types of food poisoning trigger a low-grade or high fever. Chills happen when your body temperature is rising, causing muscle contractions that help generate heat. Even if you don’t notice a significant fever, chills can still occur as your body fights off the infection.
2. Dehydration
Vomiting and diarrhea can quickly lead to fluid loss. Dehydration may interfere with your body’s ability to regulate temperature, making you feel cold or shaky.
3. Toxin Release
Some bacteria, such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, release toxins that stimulate an immune response. This reaction can cause chills, weakness, and muscle aches.
4. Systemic Inflammation
Food poisoning doesn’t only affect the digestive system, it can trigger inflammation throughout the body. This systemic response may cause chills, fatigue, and overall discomfort.
Common Symptoms of Food Poisoning
Food poisoning symptoms vary depending on the cause. Symptoms can begin within hours of eating contaminated food and may take several days to appear. Common symptoms often include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache and muscle aches
- Fatigue
How Long Do Chills From Food Poisoning Last?
Chills typically last as long as the body is actively fighting the infection. In mild cases, chills may resolve within a few hours to a day. In more severe cases, they can last several days, especially if a fever or dehydration is present. Most people recover from food poisoning within 1 to 3 days, but symptoms may persist longer depending on the organism involved and the person’s overall health.
Visit an urgent care center if you experience:
- Persistent or severe chills
- High fever
- Signs of dehydration
- Blood in stool or vomit
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down
Urgent care providers can assess your symptoms, check for dehydration, and determine whether fluids, medications, or further testing are needed.
Get Walk-In Food Poisoning Symptom Relief at AFC Urgent Care Aurora Havana
Yes, food poisoning can cause chills, often part of your body’s immune response to infection or toxins. While chills alone aren’t usually dangerous, persistent chills or those accompanied by fever, dehydration, or severe symptoms warrant medical evaluation. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are normal or need treatment, AFC Urgent Care Aurora Havana can provide a fast assessment and help you recover safely. Our urgent care center is open 7 days a week, conveniently located at 10552 E Arizona Pl in Aurora, CO. Most insurance plans are accepted and low-cost options are available for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about food poisoning treatment, or other services we provide, please contact our medical team directly at (303) 343-6000.
