What started as a mild sore throat quickly escalated into a life-threatening nightmare for one mother, who found herself fighting for survival in intensive care after sepsis took hold.
A seemingly harmless symptom
The woman initially dismissed her discomfort as nothing more than a common throat irritation. "I thought it was just a bit of a sore throat," she recalled. "I never imagined it would nearly kill me."
The rapid deterioration
Within hours, her condition dramatically worsened. "My temperature skyrocketed, I became delirious, and my body started shutting down," she described. Rushed to hospital, doctors immediately recognised the signs of sepsis - the body's extreme response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death.
The warning signs everyone should know
- Slurred speech or confusion
- Extreme shivering or muscle pain
- Passing no urine all day
- Severe breathlessness
- Skin that's mottled or discoloured
A miraculous recovery
After days in intensive care and powerful antibiotics, the woman slowly began to recover. "The doctors told me I was lucky to be alive," she said. "Sepsis can kill within hours if not treated immediately."
A vital message for others
Now fully recovered, she's determined to raise awareness about this silent killer. "If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and seek help immediately," she urged. "That sore throat might be more serious than you think."
Medical experts emphasise that sepsis causes approximately 48,000 deaths annually in the UK, with early detection being crucial for survival. The NHS advises anyone displaying multiple symptoms to call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
