Can You Get a Chill from Being Cold?

You get chills when the muscles in your body squeeze and relax to try to make heat. This sometimes happens because you're cold, but it can also be an attempt by your immune system -- the body's defense against germs -- to fight off an infection or illness.

Can you catch a chill from being cold?

Can you catch a cold from cold air? This is one of the most persistent myths about colds. The only way you get sick is when you come into contact with a virus. Cold air may irritate a condition you already have, like asthma, which could make your body more receptive to a cold virus.

What does it mean when you get a cold chill?

Involuntary means you can't consciously control them. Shivering causes your muscles to contract and relax, which warms up your body. Sometimes you might get cold chills from being exposed to low temperatures. Shivering can also be a sign that your body is fighting off an illness, infection or another health problem.