WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE . . .

...between hypothermia and hyperthermia?

HYPOTHERMIA is a potentially fatal condition caused by cold.

When the body temperature, normally about 37C, drops below 35C, urgent treatment is required which can include intravenous injections of warm fluid and oxygen to help breathing.

Without them, as the body gets colder it will slowly shut down, with the sufferer becoming increasingly drowsy and sluggish as their heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure all fall, until they eventually die.

Hyperthermia is when the body rises above 38C, which leads to heat cramps and potentially fatal heat stroke. Oncological hyperthermia is a cancer treatment that uses heat to destroy tumours.