Sepsis is a life-threatening condition and needs emergency treatment, usually in hospital. The symptoms of sepsis may be vague and not specific so seek medical advice immediately if you have any concerns.
You should seek medical advice immediately if your child has any of the following:
- VERY high temperature (fever) or low body temperature (feels very cold).
- Severe shivering.
- Fast breathing and breathless.
- Very sleepy or seems to be about to lose consciousness.
- Severe muscle pain or tummy (abdominal) pain.
- Confused or disorientated (not sure where they are).
- Slurred speech.
- Feels very dizzy or faint, or has a fit (seizure).
- Skin is cold, clammy and either pale or patchy (mottled).
- A rash which does not fade with pressure.
- Not eating any food or drinking any fluid.
- Being sick (vomiting) repeatedly.
- Not passing as much urine as normal ( or no wet nappies) especially if your child doesn’t pass any urine in 24 hours.
If your child does have sepsis they may also have other symptoms of infection such as a flu-like illness (cough, fever, muscle aches and joint pains) or diarrhoea and vomiting.
Early treatment saves lives. Call 999 if you are very concerned. Call your GP immediately if you’re concerned, but don’t think your child needs to go straight to hospital. If there is any delay in talking to a Doctor then call 999.
For more information visit: http://patient.info/health/sepsis-septicaemia-leaflet