Spotting Signs Of Sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection, and it can be hard to spot. There are lots of possible symptoms. It happens when your body fights too hard against infection and starts to damage your body's own tissues and organs. Sepsis is not transmittable from another person.

Sepsis in Children:

• Blue, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue

• A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it

• Difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast

• A weak, high pitched cry that's not like their normal cry

• Less responsive or uninterested in normal activities

• Being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake

Sepsis in Adults:

• Blue, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue

• A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it

• Difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast

• Acting confused, slurred speech or not making sense

If you think you or someone you look after has symptoms of sepsis, call 999 or go to A&E.

It's not always possible to prevent sepsis. There are things you can do to help prevent infections that can lead to sepsis.

• keep up to date with vaccines

• clean and care for any wounds

• take antibiotics correctly – follow the instructions and take all your prescribed antibiotics, even if you feel better

• wash your hands regularly and teach children how to wash their hands well