Hypothermia

Overview

Hypothermia is a medical emergency that happens when your body loses heat faster than it can make it, causing your core temperature to drop below 35°C (95°F). Normally, your body temperature stays around 37°C (98.6°F).

Hypothermia is most common during winter months, especially in places with very cold climates. Anyone can get it, but certain groups are at higher risk.

Hypothermia can affect anyone of any age, but older adults, babies, people who are homeless, those with certain medical conditions, and people who use alcohol or drugs are most at risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Shivering
• Cold, pale, or dry skin
• Confusion or memory problems
• Drowsiness or extreme tiredness
• Slurred speech
• Clumsiness or poor coordination
• Weak pulse or slow breathing

Symptoms in children

• Bright red, cold skin
• Very low energy or sleepiness
• Poor feeding or refusing to eat
• Shivering (though babies may not shiver)
• Quiet or difficult to awaken

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion, memory loss, or slurred speech
• Cold hands and feet
• Shivering that may stop as hypothermia worsens
• Sleepiness or fumbling hands
• Weak pulse or slow breathing

Causes

Main causes

• Prolonged exposure to cold weather or cold water
• Wearing wet clothes or being unable to change out of damp clothing
• Keeping your home too cold, especially at night
• Being in a windy or rainy environment without proper protection

Risk factors

• Being very young or very old
• Living on the street or in poorly heated housing
• Having diabetes, thyroid problems, or poor circulation
• Using alcohol, drugs, or certain medicines that can affect body heat
• Being exhausted or malnourished

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Call your local emergency number immediately if you or someone else has severe symptoms like confusion, loss of consciousness, or no shivering despite being cold.
• Go to urgent care or see a doctor the same day if you have persistent shivering, dizziness, or nausea after being in the cold.

Book a routine appointment if:

• See your doctor if you often feel cold despite warm surroundings, or if you have a health condition that affects temperature regulation.
• Ask for advice if you or a family member are at higher risk and you are worried about hypothermia at home.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose hypothermia by asking about your symptoms and exposure to cold, and by using a special low-reading thermometer to measure your core body temperature.

Tests that may be done

• Core temperature measurement
• Blood tests to check for organ function or infection
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to look at heart rhythm

What to expect at your appointment

If you are brought to the emergency room, the team will warmly wrap you, monitor your vital signs, and run tests to check how your body is responding. You may be admitted for observation if your temperature is very low.

Treatment

The main treatment is to raise your body temperature safely. This is done by moving out of the cold and gradually warming the body, with medical support for more severe cases.

Self-care at home

• Move to a warm room or shelter
• Remove wet clothing and replace with dry, warm layers
• Wrap yourself in blankets, including over your head and neck
• Drink warm (not hot), non-alcoholic, caffeine-free drinks if you are awake
• Place warm, dry packs or bottles on your neck, chest, and groin areas

Medical treatments

In hospital, doctors may use passive rewarming (covering you in warm blankets), active rewarming (using warm IV fluids, heated oxygen, or a warm-water bath), and close monitoring of your heart and breathing. Treatment is tailored to how severe your hypothermia is.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat hypothermia.

Living with this condition

After recovering from hypothermia, give your body time to rest and warm up fully. Avoid cold environments until you are fully recovered, and plan ahead for cold weather with proper clothing and warm housing.

Lifestyle tips

• Wear several layers of loose clothing, plus a hat, gloves, and a warm coat when going outside
• Keep your home heated to at least 18°C (64°F), especially if you are older or unwell
• Stay dry – change out of wet clothes as soon as possible
• Check weather forecasts and avoid going out during very cold or windy conditions

Diet and exercise

Eat warm, regular meals to keep your energy up, and stay hydrated. Gentle exercise can help keep your body warm, but avoid overexertion when outdoors in very cold weather.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Hypothermia can leave you feeling shaken or anxious about being cold. It is normal to worry, and talking to friends, family, or a health professional can help you feel more in control.

Prevention

Yes. Most cases of hypothermia can be prevented by dressing warmly, staying dry, limiting time outside in cold weather, and checking on vulnerable people like elderly neighbours during cold spells.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines that prevent hypothermia, but staying up to date with flu and pneumonia vaccines can help prevent illnesses that might make you more vulnerable to the cold.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for hypothermia, but people at higher risk can be monitored by family, carers, or healthcare teams during winter.

Complications

If left untreated

• Frostbite (frozen skin and tissue)
• Abnormal heart rhythms, including life-threatening ones
• Lung infections like pneumonia
• Kidney problems or kidney failure
• Loss of consciousness and, in severe cases, death

Long-term outlook

With prompt first aid and medical care, most people with hypothermia recover fully. The most important step is to take action early, either by warming up safely at home or calling for emergency help if symptoms are serious.

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