Definitions
Shivering
When to make a doctor’s appointment
Call a doctor if:
- No improvement after three days or lasts more than five days
- Discolored fingers or toes
- Younger than 3 months with fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher
- Three to 6 months old with fever of 102 F (38.9 C) or higher
- Six to 24 months old with fever of 102 F (38.9 C) or higher lasting more than a day
- Age 2 or older with fever and listless, irritable, or vomiting repeatedly
- Adult with fever of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher
Self-care
If caused by cold, move to a warm area, remove wet clothing, and cover with layers of dry blankets. If caused by infection, acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help.
When to seek immediate medical care
Call 911 or local emergency medical number and start CPR if:
- Person is found unconscious or unresponsive
- Possible blocked airway, choking, lack of breathing, or weak pulse
- Head injury
- Seizure
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Person has diabetes
When to make a doctor's appointment
Call a doctor if:
- No improvement after three days or lasts more than five days
- Discolored fingers or toes
- Younger than 3 months with fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher
- Three to 6 months old with fever of 102 F (38.9 C) or higher
- Six to 24 months old with fever of 102 F (38.9 C) or higher lasting more than a day
- Age 2 or older with fever and listless, irritable, or vomiting repeatedly
- Adult with fever of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher
