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Can you tell the difference between hypothermia and simply being cold? With winter now in full force, AFC Urgent Care Urgent Care in Lyndhurst wants to remind you to stay aware and protect yourself from dangerous winter health risks.
Today we would like to focus on the threat of hypothermia. Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can be produced, causing body temperature to drop to dangerous levels (95 °F or lower). Ranging from mild to lethal, Hypothermia can affect us all despite age, gender, or physical size. Although children, the elderly, the homeless, and people with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk, there’s no way to determine how deadly hypothermia can be for any one person.
AFC Urgent Care Urgent Care in Lyndhurst is devoted to keeping you and your family safe so we’ve prepared this list of the hidden signs of hypothermia. Make sure to review this list before your next outdoor adventure – whether it’s a ski trip, winter stroll, or anything in between!
Many symptoms of hypothermia go unnoticed or are easily confused for the body’s natural response to the cold. Some symptoms include:
- Uncontrollable shivering. Please note that shivering suddenly stops when hypothermia worsens.
- Poor muscle control. This includes clumsiness and difficulty speaking clearly.
- Drowsiness or very low energy
- Hunger
- Nausea
Spotlight: Recklessness
The most deadly symptoms of hypothermia are those that prevent self-awareness and increase your risk of death: confusion, poor-decision making, and recklessness. Victims of moderate to severe hypothermia often have a sudden change in behavior such as removing clothing or deny feeling cold.
If you or someone you know shows signs of hypothermia, it’s critical to seek immediate emergency care. If possible, slowly move to a warm area and remove wet clothing while waiting for help to arrive. Visit AFC Urgent Care in Lyndhurst for more info on how to stay safe all winter long.
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