Answer to Question #118843 in Biochemistry for Kofi Fosu

Question

A child shivers in the cold rain yet does not feel cold. What is the biochemistry involved?

Answer 1

Shivering is typically caused when one is in a cold environment. More often than not, children shake when it is not cold. Usually, when this happens, it indicates that the body is trying to fight the pathogens that have gained entry into the body. During shivering, the body generates heat and leads to the formation of goosebumps that reduce heat loss. As a result, an increase in body temperature inhibits the growth of the pathogen. It is most common in viral infections such as the flu virus.