Health Library
The Health Library is a collection of health and wellness resources created for learning and accessibility. Select a topic below for related health information or search for a topic in the search bar for more information on other medical conditions.
Hypothermia
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It's easy to get cold quickly if you are outside in wet, windy, or cold weather. Cold temperature exposure can also happen if you spend time in a dwelling or other building that is not well heated during cold weather. Injuries from cold exposure "Frostnip" usually affects skin on the face, ears, or fingertips...
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What is hypothermia? Hypothermia occurs when the body gets cold and loses heat faster than the body can make it. A rectal temperature is considered the most accurate body temperature. A normal rectal body temperature ranges from 97.5 F (36.4 C) to 99.6 F (37.6 C), and for most people it is 98.6 F (37 C). For...
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Discusses fevers in children age 11 and younger. Includes info on temperatures considered normal, mild fever, or high fever. Offers home treatment tips to reduce fever. Includes interactive tool to help you decide when to call a doctor.
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Discusses fevers in those age 12 and older. Includes info on temperatures considered normal, mild fever, or high fever. Covers causes of fever and offers home treatment tips. Includes interactive tool to help you decide when to see a doctor.
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Cold injuries occur more in certain outdoor conditions, such as: Cold temperatures. Hypothermia can develop quickly with temperatures below freezing. Frostbite develops at freezing temperatures. People who live in poorly heated homes can gradually develop hypothermia in temperatures of 60 F (16 C) to 65 F...
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Babies Babies, especially newborns, are more likely to suffer injury from cold temperature exposure. They have a large body surface area compared with their weight. Their body heat is lost more rapidly when exposed to cold weather conditions. Their ability to regulate body temperatures is not well-developed. They...
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To prevent getting too cold, wear proper clothing and shoes, such as: A hat and face mask. Up to 80% of total body heat loss is from your head and neck areas. Layers of clothing to keep you warm and dry. Clothing made of wool, polypropylene, down, or Thinsulate. These are good insulators and will prevent loss of...
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The body loses heat through: Evaporation of water from your skin if it is wet (sweating). If your clothing is wet, you will also lose some body heat through evaporation and through respiration (breathing) when the body temperature is higher than 99 F (37 C). During intense exercise, the body loses 85% of its...