The NHS has issued a critical warning about sepsis, urging people to 'trust your instincts' and seek immediate medical help if symptoms appear. Sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to infection, claims five lives every hour in the UK alone, according to recent data.
What Is Sepsis?
Sepsis occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to an infection, damaging its own tissues and organs. It can deteriorate rapidly, making early recognition and hospital treatment essential. The NHS posted on X, formerly Twitter: 'It can be hard to spot, so make sure you know the symptoms.'
Symptoms in Adults
Adults should watch for: blue, pale, grey, or blotchy skin, lips, or tongue; difficulty breathing; confusion, slurred speech, or not making sense; uncontrollable shivering; muscle pain; a high or low temperature (high temperature is less common in older adults); and not peeing all day or very little in the past 18 hours.
Symptoms in Children
In children, symptoms include: blue, pale, grey, or blotchy skin, lips, or tongue; difficulty breathing or breathing very fast; a seizure (fit); a high or low temperature; a rash that does not fade when pressed; being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake; and not peeing for 12 hours (babies and children under 5) or all day (children over 5).
Immediate Action Required
The NHS update emphasizes: 'If you or someone else has symptoms of sepsis, call 999 or go to A&E. Trust your instincts.' Sepsis can escalate quickly, and prompt treatment is vital to prevent organ failure and death.
