What Are the Warning Signs of Hypothermia?

Hypothermia is when your body temperature drops to an abnormally low level, and it can be a medical emergency. When you’re exposed to cold temperatures for long periods, your body loses heat faster than it can produce it. If this continues for too long, your body may use up all its stored energy.

When your body temperature gets too low, it may start to affect your brain, and you might have trouble recognizing that hypothermia is happening. Knowing the early signs of hypothermia can help you take action quickly, before the situation becomes dangerous — or even deadly.

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Written by:

Marisa Taylor Karas

Marisa Taylor Karas is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn who has covered health, gender, and technology for 15 years. She previously worked at The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera America, among other publications, and also served as managing editor of the Mellon Foundation in New York City.

Reviewed by:

Brian Clista, MD

Dr. Clista is a board-certified pediatrician who works in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He previously served as a National Health Service Corporation Scholar in the inner city of Pittsburgh for 11 years.

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