Chill

Chill, sensation of cold, accompanied by frequent contractions of individual muscle groups or all striated musculature. Chill is often observed in fever, especially during its development phase. Such are the typical chills at the onset of a malarial attack, lobar pneumonia, or during septic fever. During chill, heat production sharply increases, reaching 200% or more compared to normal, while heat dissipation remains unchanged, increasing only gradually later with the onset of the febrile state. Chill is thus one of the mechanisms that lead to the development of hyperthermia (see also Fever). Chill is usually accompanied by a sharp spasm of peripheral, primarily cutaneous, vessels, however, no increase in blood pressure is observed at this time (Peter).