The NHS has issued an urgent alert, instructing anyone who suspects they may have sepsis to go to hospital immediately. Sepsis is a fast-moving and dangerous condition that occurs when the body's immune system aggressively attacks its own healthy tissues during an infection. According to NHS data, five people die with sepsis every hour in the UK, meaning one person dies every five hours.
Key Symptoms in Adults
Recognising early warning signs is crucial because sepsis can quickly become fatal. In adults, sudden confusion, slurred speech, or an inability to articulate thoughts logically can indicate the onset of the condition. These mental impairments are frequently accompanied by intense physical distress like severe muscle aches and uncontrollable shivering.
Visible indicators in mature individuals include skin, lips, or tongues that turn an unusual blue, grey, pale, or mottled colour. Fluctuations in body temperature are also common, though older people are less likely to experience a high fever. Respiratory and urinary red flags involve a significant struggle to breathe normally or a total lack of urination over an eighteen-hour window. Failing to pass urine for an entire day serves as a critical biological signal that internal organs are under severe stress.
Warning Signs in Children
In children, parents should look out for extreme lethargy, such as a child being unusually difficult to wake up. Additional neurological dangers can present as sudden seizures or fits that require instant medical attention. Affected children may exhibit incredibly rapid breathing or visible struggles for air alongside discoloured, blotchy, or pale skin, tongue or lips.
A particularly distinct warning sign is a body rash that fails to fade or disappear when pressed firmly against the skin. A high or low temperature can also be a symptom. Infants and toddlers under five who have not urinated for twelve hours, or older children dry for a full day, need immediate evaluation.
Immediate Action Required
The NHS stresses that immediate emergency action is vital if you notice any combination of these dangerous symptoms in yourself or a loved one. People should never hesitate to call 999 or head straight to the nearest emergency room. The NHS advises everyone to always trust their gut instincts when it comes to sepsis.
