Hypothermia is a typical feature of septic shock because it reflects a severe systemic inflammatory response and impaired thermoregulation due to circulatory failure and overwhelming infection. Unlike mild infections that cause fever (hyperthermia), septic shock often leads to decreased heat production and increased heat loss from vasodilation and impaired metabolism. This hypothermic response is associated with a worse prognosis and indicates severe sepsis with organ dysfunction. Therefore, hypothermia serves as a critical clinical marker of advanced septic shock rather than the classic febrile response.

Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, J. Larry Jameson, 20th Edition.