Extreme Cold (Hypothermia)

Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Normal body temperature is around 98.6 F (37 C). Hypothermia (hi-poe-THUR-me-uh) occurs as your body temperature passes below 95 F (35 C).

Signs and symptoms of mild hypothermia include shivering, dizziness, hunger, nausea, faster breathing, trouble speaking, and slight confusionHypothermia can occur when a person is exposed to cold air, water, wind, or rain.

The body temperature can drop to a low level at temperatures of 50°F (10°C) or higher in wet and windy weather, or if the person is in 60°F (16°C) to 70°F (21°C) water. If a person has mild hypothermia, home treatment may be enough to bring the body temperature back up to normal.