Hi there! Thank you for the question. It is apparent that you are worried about your father’s condition. As you have mentioned, he has been experiencing chills. Well gastroenteritis can cause shivering in elderly patients. Gastroenteritis can spread through someone who had the virus or through consuming contaminated water or food. The most common cause of gastroenteritis is a virus and the main types are rotavirus and norovirus.

Bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella can also cause gastroenteritis. Salmonella and campylobacter bacteria are the most common bacterial causes of gastroenteritis in the asia. Campylobacter are usually spread by undercooked poultry, eggs, or poultry juices, while Salmonella can also be spread through pet reptiles or live poultry. Symptoms of gastroenteritis includes diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, headache, muscle aches, or joint aches, fever or chills, sweating or clammy skin, abdominal cramps and pain and loss of appetite. It usually begins one or two days after the infection.

People who may be more susceptible to gastroenteritis includes elderly people as adult immune systems tend to become less efficient later in life, young children as their immune system is not as developed as an adult and anyone with weakened immune system such as HIV or AIDS patients.

Best way to prevent the spread of intestinal infections is get vaccinated, wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet, use separate personal items around home and take precautions if you are travelling by drinking only well-sealed bottled or carbonated water, avoid ice cubes because they may be made from contaminated water, use bottled water to brush your teeth, avoid raw foods including peeled fruits, raw vegetables and salads that has been touched by human hands and avoid undercooked meat and fish. If his condition persists, it is advisable to consult a doctor. All the best!