What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs, with the immune system going into overdrive.
Sepsis is a
life-threatening
condition
It can lead to shock, multiple organ failure and even death if not recognised and treated promptly.
There is no single sign or diagnostic test, and sepsis is indiscriminate: while it primarily affects very young children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions, it can sometimes be triggered in those who are otherwise fit and healthy.
Sepsis always starts with an infection, such as chest infections or UTIs. It is not known why some people develop sepsis in response to these common infections whereas others don’t.
UKST works to educate healthcare professionals to recognise and treat sepsis promptly, but we also need the public to know when to Just Ask: Could it be Sepsis?
How to spot sepsis in adults
Slurred speech or confusion
Extreme shivering or muscle pain
Passing no urine (in a day)
Severe breathlessness
It feels like you’re going to die
Skin mottled or discoloured
SEPSIS IN ADULTS
If you or another adult develop any of these signs, it is important to seek urgent medical attention.
Call 111 or contact your GP if you are worried about an infection.
Call 999 or visit A&E if you or another adult has one of the sepsis symptoms and Just Ask: Could it be Sepsis?
Sepsis in children
A child may have sepsis if they:
- Are breathing very fast
- Have a ‘fit’ or convulsion
- Look mottled, bluish, or pale – on darker pigmented skin, colour changes may show on the inside of the forearms or palms
- Have a rash that does not fade when you press it
- Are very lethargic or difficult to wake
- Feel abnormally cold to touch
Call 111 or contact your GP if you are worried about an infection.
Call 999 or visit A&E if a child has one of the sepsis symptoms and Just Ask: Could it be Sepsis?
“It was just something in my gut that told me something’s wrong here, we need to take him to A&E.” – Hannah Charman, Ash’s Mum
CHILDREN UNDER 5
A child under 5 may have sepsis if they:
- Are not feeding
- Are vomiting repeatedly
- Have not passed urine for 12 hours
Call 111 or contact your GP if you are worried about an infection.
Call 999 or visit A&E if a child under 5 has one of the sepsis symptoms and Just Ask: Could it be Sepsis?
Relevant stats
DEATHS AN HOUR
In the UK, five people lose their lives to this condition every hour.
DEATHS EACH YEAR
In the UK, there are 48,000 sepsis related deaths each year.
PEOPLE AFFECTED
In the UK, 245,000 are affected by sepsis each year.
DEATHS GLOBALLY
Sepsis is responsible for 11 million deaths globally each year.
James’ Story
It's just chicken pox...
Yousef’s Story
It's just a fever...
Greg’s Story
It's just a cold...
Karin’s Story
It's just a pulled muscle...
Martin’s Story
It's just a high temperature...
Your
sepsis
wiki
We understand that you might have a lot of questions about sepsis, particularly as a new parent or someone with an underlying health condition.
More from UK Sepsis Trust
Get Sepsis Savvy
Knowing the signs of sepsis can help save lives. Test the knowledge you’ve acquired on this page by watching a short video and playing our game.
Sepsis support
If you or someone you love has been affected by sepsis, our trained Support Nurses are here for you.
Order sepsis resources
We have a range of sepsis resources including posters and leaflets that you can order via our shop and display to help raise awareness of this silent killer.