Q: My 7-year-old has a mild fever, sore throat, and severe chills. Can mild fever cause chills, and is frequent tonsillitis normal?
Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD
Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD
This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Question:
My 7-year-old child says their throat hurts and has a mild fever ranging from 37.5 to 37.7°C. However, they are experiencing severe chills and feel extremely cold. Can a mild fever cause severe chills? Should I give them fever-reducing medication?
Also, my child has had tonsillitis twice in the past month, and I suspect it might be tonsillitis again this time. Is it normal or safe to have tonsillitis this frequently? Thank you.
Answer:
It is completely understandable to be worried about your child experiencing a second bout of suspected tonsillitis within a single month.
Here is an assessment of your child's current situation and how to manage it:
Mild Fever and Severe Chills
Yes, it is entirely possible to experience severe chills even with a mild fever (37.5–37.7°C). Chills occur because the body is shivering to generate heat and raise its core temperature to fight off an infection. The combination of a sore throat, mild fever, and chills does point to a possible recurrence of tonsillitis.
Home Care and Medication
Fever Reducers: You can absolutely give fever-reducing medication if your child is uncomfortable or struggling with the chills. Always prioritize your child's overall comfort and condition over the exact number on the thermometer.
Comfort: Keep your child warm with cozy clothing and blankets while they have chills.
Hydration and Diet: Offer small, frequent sips of lukewarm water. Soft foods like porridge, soup, and yogurt are easier to swallow. Cold beverages or popsicles can also be very helpful in soothing throat pain.
Is Frequent Tonsillitis Normal?
Having tonsillitis twice in a month is not overly common, but it can happen—especially due to consecutive viral infections or catching a new infection while the immune system is still recovering. Generally, a tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils) is only considered if a child has 7 or more episodes in a single year, or 5 or more episodes per year for two consecutive years. For now, this is simply a pattern to monitor.
When to See a Doctor Today
Please take your child to see a pediatrician today if you notice any of the following:
The fever rises to 38.5°C or higher, or severe discomfort persists even after taking fever reducers.
Your child has trouble swallowing their own saliva or completely refuses liquids.
You feel a lump in their neck, or they have difficulty opening their mouth.
They show signs of breathing difficulty or wheezing.
Warning Signs (Seek Immediate Medical Attention)
A high fever (39°C or above) lasting for 3 or more days.
Severe swelling on only one side of the throat.
Difficulty breathing or excessive drooling.
For today, please focus on keeping your child comfortable using warmth, hydration, and fever reducers as needed. If their condition worsens, or if you observe any of the warning signs mentioned above, please consult your pediatrician for an in-person evaluation.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
