How to get rid of body aches and chills: 5 ways to feel better

Body aches, a common symptom of many viral illnesses, can leave you feeling tired, stiff and uncomfortable. Whether caused by a lingering illness, the stress of a busy day or an underlying medical condition, these aches can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.

The good news is that body aches can usually be treated at home with the right over-the-counter medications and a little self-care.

Here are the most common causes of body aches and how to get rid of body aches, so you can start feeling better quickly.

What are body aches?

Body aches are a common symptom experienced when the muscles, joints or connective tissues throughout the body feel sore, stiff or tender. This muscle soreness is called myalgia.

Body aches are usually a result of the body working to heal itself in response to stress, fatigue or an underlying illness or medical condition. These aches can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, but they’re typically mild and go away once the underlying issue is resolved.

What causes body aches?

Understanding the root cause of your body aches is key to finding relief. Causes of body aches vary, from illnesses like the flu to lifestyle factors like poor sleep or stress. Let’s discuss the most common causes of body aches.

Infections and viruses

Viral infections, such as the flu, COVID-19 or common cold, and some bacterial infections can cause widespread body aches and chills. These body aches are the result of your immune system responding to the infection by sending white blood cells to fight off the infection.

Stress

Stress impacts more than just your mental health—it can also have a significant physical impact on your body. This is because stress creates tension in the body, causing your muscles to feel stiff, and it can also cause inflammation throughout your body.

Autoimmune disorders

Some autoimmune disorders, like lupus, polymyalgia rheumatica and myositis, can cause body aches due to inflammation.

Arthritis

Arthritis causes inflammation and joint pain, which can feel like body aches. Arthritis usually results from wear and tear on the body as we age, but it can also be caused by some autoimmune conditions.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

If you have chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, you may experience frequent body aches, as well as weakness and exhaustion.

Dehydration

Staying hydrated is key to feeling well. When you’re dehydrated, you’re more likely to experience symptoms like muscle cramps and arthritic joint pain, which may feel like body aches.

Lack of sleep

Body aches and muscle pain can also be a sign that you’re not getting enough quality sleep at night. Lack of sleep impairs your body’s ability to rest and repair, which can leave you feeling tired and achy.

Nutrient deficiencies

When your body is deficient in potassium, it can cause body aches. This condition of low potassium, referred to as hypokalemia, impacts how your nerves and muscles function, resulting in pain.

Medication side effects

Certain medications, including blood pressure medications and statins, can cause the body to feel sore and achy. Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about any side effects from your medications.

How to get rid of body aches: 5 tips to feel better

Your steps for relieving body aches will vary depending on the cause, but here are some general tips to help relieve the aches and pains.

1. Pain relievers

Wondering what to take for body aches? Over-the-counter pain relievers can help get rid of body aches from a cold, the flu, COVID-19 or other illnesses.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are often recommended because they reduce inflammation. Acetaminophen can also help ease pain and fever, but it doesn’t reduce inflammation.

If you’re unsure which or how much medication to take, always consult your doctor. You should also check with your doctor before taking NSAIDs if you have a history of stomach problems, diseases of the heart, liver or kidney, or if you’re taking a blood thinner.

2. Stay hydrated

It’s important to stay hydrated, especially if you’re sick. Drinking plenty of clear liquids will help replenish any fluids lost through sweating, vomiting or diarrhea and help your body fight the infection. Water, tea, electrolyte drinks, broth and non-sugary sports drinks are all great options to help keep you hydrated while you recover.

3. Rest

Regardless of the cause, if you’re experiencing any kind of body aches, your body needs to rest. Prioritize taking it easy and getting as much sleep as you can. Sleep will help your body recover faster, reduce inflammation and boost your immune system.

4. Heat

Heat can help loosen your muscles and relieve body aches. Try a warm shower or bath, but keep the water lukewarm if you have a fever. If you have body aches and no fever, you can also try a heating pad or blanket.

5. Manage other symptoms

If you’re sick, body aches are often accompanied by other symptoms like fever, chills, headache, sore throat or cough. Talk to your doctor about ways to manage any other symptoms you’re experiencing in addition to body aches.

Body aches and chills

Body aches are often accompanied by chills, a feeling of coldness or shivering regardless of room temperature. This is especially true when due to an infection like the flu or COVID-19. Chills often come with a fever.

Fortunately, the steps to get rid of body aches can also help relieve chills. Make sure you rest, stay hydrated—especially if you have a fever—and use over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen to help relieve body aches and reduce fever.

If you’re experiencing chills, dress in warm clothing and adjust your room temperature to help keep you comfortable.

When to see a doctor for body aches

If you have mild body aches due to a virus like the flu or COVID-19, you can likely make a full recovery at home. However, you should see a doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Severe pain or pain that persists despite home remedies
• Body aches accompanied by a rash
• Body aches and pains after a tick bite
• Body aches accompanied by discoloration or swelling
• Body aches caused by medication
• Persistent fever
• Extreme fatigue that doesn’t go away

If you experience shortness of breath, changes in vision, fainting or any other alarming symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Mild body aches are usually not a cause for concern and will go away in time as your body recovers. However, body aches can also be a sign of an underlying condition if they don’t go away or have no apparent cause.

If you experience frequent body aches, talk to your doctor. They can help determine the cause and guide you to the right treatment options to get you feeling better.

For minor illnesses and injuries, virtual care gives you access to expert care whenever and wherever you need it.

But you know your body best. If your body aches persist or you feel you need an in-person evaluation, contact your provider or find an Urgent Care+ location near you.