Why Does Fever Feel Like Shaking?

What is happening?

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When you have a fever, your body turns up the heat like an oven. Imagine your body has a tiny thermostat in its brain that says it should be 98 degrees. When germs invade, the brain moves that dial to 101 or higher.

Why do I shake?

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The problem is that your skin feels cold because the new number is higher than your current temperature. Your muscles start to quiver and rub together fast, like when you run in place on a chilly day. This rubbing makes your body hotter so it can reach the new goal.

Why do I get hot later?

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Once your muscles finish warming you up, you stop shaking but feel very warm inside. The fever helps fight off bad bugs because many germs like cool places better than hot ones.

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