What are the signs of hypothermia?

The signs of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, and weakness. Shivering is the body’s initial response to cold exposure, acting as a mechanism to generate heat and maintain core body temperature. As hypothermia progresses, the body’s ability to regulate temperature diminishes, which can lead to confusion and disorientation due to impaired brain function from the cold. Weakness often accompanies these symptoms because the body is using energy to try to stay warm and is starting to exhibit signs of significant distress.

In contrast, high fever and sweating are typically associated with high body temperatures and conditions such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke, not hypothermia. Rapid breathing and dry skin can be symptoms of other medical conditions but do not specifically indicate hypothermia. Feeling extremely hot and thirsty is also associated with overheating, rather than the chilling effects of extreme cold on the body. Understanding these signs is crucial for recognizing hypothermia early and taking appropriate action to prevent severe consequences.