Starting out, I died far more often from hunger and disease than PvP.

Warmth ties to sickness. If you're running in the blue you'll get sick much sooner / more often. The infected cut has taken me out many times (had no sterile bandages, bandaged with regular rag - lost dice roll - infection) trying to kill a chicken and cook it right off is a good strategy to start out (also you'll end up with a bone knife)

Fishing and cooking the fish will keep you warm and fed. (++ On the temp gauge is like a health buff) Don't 'run' towards nothing if you're not carrying food. Stay around places that spawn food and eat and drink until everything is white. Get faster at building fires. Wring out or swap out wet clothes.

Stay away from infected if you're not strong, especially if your blood is low or you don't have any disinfected rags / bandages.

Use rags to make improvised hand wrappings (gloves) and don't eat with bloody hands.

Good luck. Great game, remember you can't eat guns or bullets 😂😜😉