What is a common sign of hypothermia?

Shivering is a common sign of hypothermia as it is the body’s natural response to generate heat in order to maintain its core temperature. When exposed to cold environments, the body initiates shivering to increase metabolic heat production. This reflexive action occurs when the body temperature drops but is still relatively early in the progression of hypothermia, effectively indicating the body’s struggle to preserve heat.

In contrast, high fever, fast heart rate, and increased sweating are not typically associated with hypothermia. A high fever suggests hyperthermia rather than hypothermia, while a fast heart rate is generally a response to heat stress or dehydration rather than cold exposure. Increased sweating is also counterintuitive in the context of hypothermia, as the body typically reduces sweat production to conserve heat when experiencing low temperatures.