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Hypothermia can set in when you are exposed to very cold temperatures for prolonged periods of time. According to the Centers for Disease Control, hypothermia can occur even at temperatures above freezing if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.

In general, Washington County Emergency Management Coordinator Marissa Reisen says it’s important to warm yourself up gradually after being outside, especially if frostbite is suspect, “Don’t go inside and stand in front of the fireplace or stick your hands under hot water. It is okay to submerge your affected body parts in some nice warm water, but if you get that water too hot you’re going to do some serious damage.”

Symptoms of hypothermia in adults include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, and slurred speech. In infants, warning signs are bright red, cold skin and very low energy. The CDC advises that if a person’s body temperature is below 95 degrees then medical attention should be sought immediately.