[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2026\/06\/treating-cold-flu-sweats\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2026\/06\/treating-cold-flu-sweats\/","headline":"How to Treat Cold and Flu Cold Sweats","name":"How to Treat Cold and Flu Cold Sweats","description":"Cold sweats can make a cold or the flu feel so much worse. One moment you\u2019re bundled up and shivering \u2014 the next, you\u2019re damp, clammy, and uncomfortable. Cold sweats are common during illness, but they can also happen for many other reasons. Here’s what can cause cold sweats, and what you can do to […]","datePublished":"2026-06-03","dateModified":"2026-06-03","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GettyImages-2237201562-e1780501712831.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GettyImages-2237201562-e1780501712831.jpg","height":866,"width":2000},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2026\/06\/treating-cold-flu-sweats\/","about":["Cold and Flu","Health Topics A-Z"],"wordCount":1739,"articleBody":"Cold sweats can make a cold or the flu feel so much worse. One moment you\u2019re bundled up and shivering \u2014 the next, you\u2019re damp, clammy, and uncomfortable.Cold sweats are common during illness, but they can also happen for many other reasons. Here’s what can cause cold sweats, and what you can do to feel better.What Are Cold Sweats?A cold sweat is when you start sweating even though your skin feels cool to the touch. You might have damp palms, a clammy forehead, or chills that don\u2019t match how warm you actually feel.Cold sweats are a different kind of sweating than what happens after exercise or when you\u2019re overheated. In those instances, your body is trying to cool itself down. But cold sweats show up when your body is under stress \u2014 either physical stress, emotional stress, or a mix of both.Your nervous system drives this response. When something triggers it, like illness, pain, fear, or a sudden drop in blood sugar, your sweat glands switch on. Even if you\u2019re cold.There’s no formal medical definition for cold sweats, and they aren\u2019t a health condition. They\u2019re a symptom that can appear for many reasons.Why You Get Cold Sweats with Colds and FluCold sweats often appear when you’re sick with a cold or the flu. You can also have them with other viral and bacterial infections, such as strep throat, norovirus, and rotavirus. These infections put stress on your body, and that stress can activate your sweat response.Fever changesFever is the most common cause of cold sweats.When you have a fever, your body raises its temperature to fight off infection. As your fever rises or falls, your internal thermostat shifts. That change can make you sweat while still feeling chilled.You may notice cold sweats when your fever breaks. Your temperature drops, your body releases heat, and you start sweating even though you feel cold.Dehydration and fatigueColds and flu can leave you tired and dehydrated. When your body doesn\u2019t have enough fluids or energy, it has to work harder to keep everything running. That extra effort can trigger cold sweats.Pain and discomfortSinus pressure, headaches, and body aches can activate your stress response. When that happens, cold sweats may follow.Night sweats during illnessNight sweats are a type of cold sweat. They happen while you sleep, and you may wake up damp, chilled, or shivering.When you\u2019re sick, your body temperature can swing quickly. Those shifts can cause sweating, followed by chills when the sweat cools on your skin.Managing Cold Sweats When You’re SickMost of the time, you can treat cold sweats at home. To stay comfortable while your body recovers:Adjust your layers \u2014 Wear light, breathable clothing. Keep a blanket nearby so you can add or remove layers as your temperature changes.Rest \u2014 Your body needs rest to heal. When you slow down, your immune system can work more effectively.Stay hydrated \u2014 Drink water, juice, or electrolyte drinks. Cold sweats can make you lose fluids without realizing it. Staying hydrated helps your body regulate its temperature.Take fever reducers if needed \u2014 Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help lower a fever and ease aches.Use a cool washcloth \u2014 A cool, damp cloth on your forehead or neck can help reduce discomfort.Other Common Causes of Cold SweatsCold sweats aren\u2019t limited to colds and the flu. They can happen any time your body feels stressed or out of balance. That stress might come from your emotions, your environment, medications, or another health issue.Cold sweats from anxietyAnxiety is a common cause of cold sweats. When you’re anxious, your body goes into \u201cfight or flight\u201d mode. Your heart rate rises, your breathing changes, and your sweat glands turn on.Nighttime anxiety can also cause night sweats. You may wake up sweaty, shaky, or unsettled. These episodes can feel intense, but they\u2019re usually not dangerous.Simple strategies can help ease anxiety naturally:Calming music.Gentle stretching.Slow, deep breathing.If anxiety becomes a pattern or starts to affect your daily life, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.Cold sweats from medicationsSome medications can cause sweating as a side effect. This includes certain antidepressants, hormone treatments, steroids, and pain medicines.Opioid withdrawal can also cause sweating, chills, and shaking. These symptoms happen when your body adjusts to the absence of the drug.If you think a medication is causing cold sweats, call your health care provider. You may need a different dose or medicine. But don\u2019t stop taking a prescription without talking to your doctor first.Cold sweats from hyperhidrosisHyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating even when you\u2019re cold, resting, or not doing anything to make you perspire. When you\u2019re sick, this baseline sweating can feel even stronger because your body is already working harder to regulate its temperature.People with hyperhidrosis often notice sweating on their hands, feet, underarms, or face, but it can happen anywhere. The sweating may come on suddenly, last longer than expected, or feel out of proportion to what you\u2019re doing.Hyperhidrosis treatments may include:BOTOX\u00ae injections.Medications that reduce sweating.Prescription antiperspirants.Surgery (in severe cases).A dermatologist can help you figure out which treatment makes the most sense for you. They can also help rule out other conditions that may look similar to hyperhidrosis.Serious Causes of Cold SweatsCold sweats are usually harmless, but not always. In some cases, they’re your body\u2019s way of alerting you to a more serious problem that needs quick attention.Cold sweats from low blood sugarLow blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can trigger cold sweats. This can happen if you’re sick and haven\u2019t been eating well, or if you have diabetes and your blood sugar drops too low.When your body lacks enough glucose for energy, it reacts with a stress response \u2014 sweating is often one of the first signs. Common symptoms include:DizzinessHungerIrritabilityShakinessWeaknessThe CDC recommends treating low blood sugar right away with fast\u2011acting carbs, such as:Fruit juiceGlucose tabletsHard candyRegular sodaOnce your symptoms improve, follow up with a balanced snack to help keep your levels steady.If you have diabetes, it\u2019s especially important to monitor your blood sugar closely when you\u2019re sick. Illness can make your levels swing more than usual, raising the risk of hypoglycemia.Cold sweats from heat exhaustionHeat exhaustion happens when your body overheats and can\u2019t cool itself down fast enough. It\u2019s often caused by spending too much time in hot weather, exercising in the heat, or becoming dehydrated.Heat exhaustion can cause cold, clammy skin. Even though the word \u201cheat\u201d is in the name, your skin may feel cool because your body is struggling to regulate its temperature. Symptoms may include:Dizziness.Nausea.Pale, moist skin.Weakness.To treat heat exhaustion:Cool your skin with a damp cloth.Drink water or electrolyte drinks.Move to a cooler place.Rest.Take a cool shower, if possible.If symptoms don\u2019t improve, seek medical care.Cold sweats from a heart attackCold sweats can be a symptom of a heart attack. When your heart isn\u2019t getting enough blood, your body goes into a stress response. That sudden surge of adrenaline can make your skin feel cold and sweaty.According to the CDC, other heart attack symptoms may include:Chest pain or pressureNausea or vomiting.Pain in your arm, shoulder, back, or neck.Shortness of breath.Sudden weakness.These symptoms can come on quickly or build slowly over time. Some people describe the discomfort as pressure, squeezing, or a feeling that \u201csomething just isn\u2019t right.\u201d Remember, heart attacks can happen in young people, too.If you notice these symptoms, call 911 and go to the emergency department right away. Getting care fast can protect your heart and save your life.Cold sweats from shockShock happens when your blood pressure drops suddenly. It can follow a serious injury, infection, or allergic reaction. Symptoms may include:A rapid or very slow heartbeat.Confusion.Fast breathing.Pale, clammy skin.Shock is a medical emergency. Call for help or go to the emergency department immediately.Cold sweats from other health problemsPeople with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV\/AIDS or undergoing cancer treatment, can develop cold sweats as an early sign of infection. The CDC notes that fever, chills, and sweating are often the first clues. Because infections can become serious quickly in people with low immunity, it\u2019s important to reach out to your doctor right away if you notice these symptoms.Cold sweats (or night sweats) can also happen with other health conditions, such as thyroid disorders, hormone disorders, and certain cancers. If cold sweats keep showing up and you can\u2019t pinpoint a clear cause, it\u2019s a good idea to schedule a checkup. Your doctor can help you figure out what\u2019s behind the symptoms and what to do next.When to Call Your DoctorSome causes of cold sweats are mild and easy to manage, but your body may be signaling something more serious. You should contact your doctor if:Cold sweats keep happening or recur often.You can\u2019t stay hydrated, even with fluids.You feel worse instead of gradually improving.You have a fever that doesn\u2019t go down with treatment.You notice new, worsening, or unexplained symptoms.Head to the emergency department if you have cold sweats along with:Chest painConfusionFaintingSevere weaknessTrouble breathingSourcesAmerican Osteopathic Association, Night Sweats. Accessed April 2026. https:\/\/osteopathic.org\/what-is-osteopathic-medicine\/night-sweats\/. Link.Cancer Research UK, Causes of Sweating. Accessed April 2026. https:\/\/www.cancerresearchuk.org\/about-cancer\/coping\/physically\/skin-problems\/dealing-with-sweating\/causes. Link.MedlinePlus, Hyperhidrosis. Accessed April 2026. https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/007259.htm. Link.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, About Heart Attack Symptoms, Risk, and Recovery. Accessed April 2026. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/heart-disease\/about\/heart-attack.html. Link.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Know the Signs and Symptoms of Infection. Accessed April 2026. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/cancer-preventing-infections\/patients\/symptoms.html. Link.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Accessed April 2026. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/diabetes\/about\/low-blood-sugar-hypoglycemia.html. Link."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2026","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2026\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"06","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2026\/\/06\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How to Treat Cold and Flu Cold Sweats","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2026\/06\/treating-cold-flu-sweats\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]