Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: DoctorBeaver on 04/05/2007 13:33:37

Title: Shaking with a fever
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 04/05/2007 13:33:37

I've had flu & a non-descript fever I caught in Africa and both made me shake. Why does that happen?

Title: Shaking with a fever
Post by: iko on 04/05/2007 21:07:04

Hi DoctorBeaver,

Quote from: DoctorBeaver on 04/05/2007 13:33:37

I've had flu & a non-descript fever I caught in Africa and both made me shake. Why does that happen?

"caught in Africa" makes anyone suggest malaria as a cause.
Maybe you want to know how fever and shivers are produced.
I can just tell you shortly that infectious agents stimulate production of special short and long range 'messangers' that switch fever on.
Produced by immune cells mainly, they are called cytokines, interferons and so on...
You may calibrate your question better, I think.

ikod  [???]

Title: Shaking with a fever
Post by: chris on 06/05/2007 22:25:59

This violent shivering is called a rigor. It occurs because the inflammatory response (which is triggered by whatever infection the body is fighting) causes the hypothalamus, which is in the base of the brain and contains the body's thermostat, to change its set point upwards. The aim is to boost body temperature by triggering the mechanisms that usually kick in to warm us up when we are too cold. This includes raised metabolic rate, increased brown fat activity (this is thermogenic) and shivering, because increased body temperature has been shown to aid white blood cells in mobilising to fight infection and possibly make the body less hospitable for the invader.

So, because the hypothalamus is fooled into thinking we are too cold it switches on these heat-saving and heat-generating mechanisms, including violent shivering - or rigors.


Chris

Title: Shaking with a fever
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 07/05/2007 15:24:35

Thanks Chris. I'd assumed it was caused by some kind of toxic reaction in the muscles.

Iko - no, it wasn't malaria.

Title: Shaking with a fever
Post by: JimBob on 07/05/2007 16:29:26

Black Water Fever?

shame, shame, shame

[:X]

Title: Shaking with a fever
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 12/05/2007 18:41:45

I caught it on a Saturday night, if that helps  [:D]

Title: Shaking with a fever
Post by: neilep on 12/05/2007 19:56:43

Quote from: DoctorBeaver on 04/05/2007 13:33:37

I've had flu & a non-descript fever I caught in Africa and both made me shake. Why does that happen?

Wishing you better !!

Title: Shaking with a fever
Post by: Karen W. on 12/05/2007 20:03:09

Quote from: DoctorBeaver on 12/05/2007 18:41:45

I caught it on a Saturday night, if that helps  [:D]

Sorry your sick Doc! I hope you feel better soon.

Title: Shaking with a fever
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 14/05/2007 11:09:19

Everyone's favourite rodent is back on form & tickedy-boo!  [8)]

Title: Shaking with a fever
Post by: paul.fr on 14/05/2007 11:35:37

Quote from: DoctorBeaver on 14/05/2007 11:09:19

Everyone's favourite rodent is back on form & tickedy-boo!  [8)]

shy face! the Doc!!!

Title: Shaking with a fever
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 14/05/2007 13:03:53

Oh yes, I'm very shy. Very modest & humble too  [:D]