In this episode of “Ok Now You Know,” host Joe Garner delves into the intriguing phenomenon of chills and shivers that often accompany illnesses like the flu or a cold. Ever wondered why you reach for an extra blanket when your body is already running a fever? Joe unpacks this paradox by exploring the relationship between fever, the hypothalamus, and the body’s defense mechanisms against infections.

When confronted with pathogens, our immune system triggers a series of responses aimed at raising our body temperature to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses. This episode highlights the role of the hypothalamus in resetting our body’s thermostat to a higher temperature, causing us to experience chills. By explaining the rapid muscle contractions that generate heat, Joe effectively illuminates how these involuntary responses serve as a testament to our immune system’s efforts to combat infections.