Which of the following is a sign of cold stress?

• A. Shivering
• B. Headache
• C. Nausea
• D. Shortness of breath

Answer: (A)

Cold stress triggers the body's heat-producing response, and shivering is the primary way the body does that. When exposed to cold, muscles contract rapidly in an attempt to generate heat, making shivering an early and reliable sign that someone is losing heat and may be developing hypothermia. This involuntary shaking indicates the body is actively trying to warm up, which is why it’s the best sign among the options.

Headache, nausea, and shortness of breath can arise from many different causes and are not specific to cold exposure. They don’t reliably indicate cold stress the way shivering does.

If you see someone shivering in the cold, help them warm up gradually: move to a warmer environment, remove wet clothing, insulate with blankets or dry clothing, and offer warm (not hot) fluids if they’re alert. Monitor for signs of worsening hypothermia, such as confusion, drowsiness, or loss of coordination, and seek medical help if symptoms escalate.