Why would my temperature be low?

Author: Mr. Judd Herzog  |  Last update: Friday, February 13, 2026

Examples include an underactive thyroid, also called hypothyroidism; poor nutrition or anorexia nervosa; diabetes; stroke; severe arthritis; Parkinson's disease; trauma; and spinal cord injuries. Medicines. Some drugs can change the body's ability to regulate its temperature.

Can a low temperature mean you are sick?

You might think of hypothermia as something that only happens when you're exposed to extremely cold weather for a long time. But it happens indoors, too. A below-normal body temperature can also be a sign that you're sick. Hypothermia is a special concern for the elderly.

What does it mean if the temperature is low?

A temperature of 96 degrees is considered low. (For most adults, around 97 to 99 degrees is normal.) Since a low body temperature can be a sign of a medical condition, it's best to see your healthcare provider. If you also have signs and symptoms of hypothermia, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

What infection causes a low body temperature?

The early symptoms of sepsis include: a high temperature (fever) or, due to changes in circulation, a low body temperature instead.

What causes low temperature?

Hypothermia occurs when more heat is lost than the body can make. In most cases, it occurs after long periods in the cold. Common causes include: Being outside without enough protective clothing in winter.

Does a Temperature of 96 Degrees Fahrenheit Mean I’m Sick?

Is 96.6 too low for a temperature?

A body temperature of 96.6 F (35.9 C) is considered low. However, if an adult has a body temperature this low but is not ill and does not have any other symptoms, they do not need to see a doctor or go to the ER.

Can dehydration cause low body temperature?

While dehydration is commonly associated with symptoms such as thirst and dry mouth, its effects on body temperature vary. Depending on the severity of fluid loss and individual factors, dehydration can lead to high fever and low human body temperature.

What illnesses make your body temperature drop?

Certain medical conditions.

Some health disorders affect the body's ability to regulate body temperature. Examples include an underactive thyroid, also called hypothyroidism; poor nutrition or anorexia nervosa; diabetes; stroke; severe arthritis; Parkinson's disease; trauma; and spinal cord injuries.

What are three red flags for sepsis?

Symptoms of sepsis may include:
  • Change in mental status.
  • Fast, shallow breathing.
  • Sweating for no clear reason.
  • Feeling lightheaded.
  • Shivering.
  • Symptoms specific to the type of infection, such as painful urination from a urinary tract infection or worsening cough from pneumonia.

What virus causes low fever?

Low-grade fevers can come from common viruses like a cold or the flu. Taking your temperature is the easiest and most direct way to determine if you have a low-grade fever, but other signs and symptoms can also point to an increased likelihood that you are experiencing a low-grade fever.

What should I do if my temperature is low?

What can I do to help relieve symptoms of hypothermia?
  1. Get somewhere warm and dry.
  2. Take off wet clothes and replace with dry clothes.
  3. Wrap up in a warm blanket, hat, socks and coat.
  4. Drink warm liquids.

Is 92 body temperature normal?

Mild hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature is between 98.6° and 96°F. The core temperature for moderate hypothermia is 95° to 93°F. If your core temperature reaches 92° or below, you are in a life-threatening situation. This condition will affect your heart rate, blood flow, and ability to think clearly.

Is a low temperature a symptom of COVID?

Low-grade fever seems to be one of the more common early markers of COVID-19, Kline said, but not everyone will have a fever. Other potential symptoms include muscle aches, headaches, loss of appetite, and loss of taste or smell. Symptoms can appear between two and 14 days after exposure.

What is the temperature for sepsis?

Although most symptoms are not specific for sepsis, there are several warning signs that may signal the presence of sepsis: High body temperature (fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) or low body temperature (below 96.5 degrees Fahrenheit ) High heart rate, even when fever comes down.

Does low temperature make you sick?

Low temperatures can increase the likelihood of getting sick. The body is not as effective at fighting a virus when cold air enters the nose and upper airways, so viruses such as the common cold, the flu and COVID-19 often spread more easily in the winter.

Can viral infections cause low body temperature?

A: A viral infection can cause hypothermia in some cases, especially if it's a severe infection with severe symptoms.

What organ shuts down first with sepsis?

Sepsis can overwhelm the body. This can cause vital organs to shut down. This usually starts with the kidneys.

How do I check myself for sepsis?

The most common signs include the following:
  1. Source of infection (cough, sore throat, abdominal pain, pain with urination) and fevers.
  2. High heart rate.
  3. Shortness of breath.
  4. Confusion or disorientation.
  5. Lightheadedness and/or low blood pressure.
  6. Decreased urine output.

What deficiency causes low body temperature?

Typically, it's a lack of vitamin B12 or iron. Iron deficiency can slow down thyroid function, which can lead to a condition called hypothyroidism, making you feel cold. Vitamin B12 deficiency results from your body not producing enough red blood cells needed to carry oxygen throughout the body.

What autoimmune disease causes low temperature?

Many people with lupus experience reoccurring, low-grade temperatures that do not reach 101°. Such low-grade temperatures may signal oncoming illness or an approaching lupus flare.

Does drinking water help low body temperature?

Water also transports nutrients and carries waste away from the cells. And it helps regulate body temperature by distributing heat and cooling the body through perspiration.

What are two warning signs of dehydration?

Symptoms of dehydration include:
  • feeling thirsty.
  • having dark yellow, strong-smelling pee (urine)
  • peeing less often than usual (less than 3 or 4 times a day)
  • feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
  • headache.
  • feeling tired.
  • a dry mouth, lips and eyes.
  • sunken eyes.

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