Sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can develop very quickly. It is a serious response to an infection within the body and requires urgent hospital treatment.

Sepsis usually develops over a couple of hours and can be difficult to spot. There are lots of possible symptoms of sepsis and some can be like other conditions, including the flu or a chest infection.

Knowing what symptoms to look out for is important.

If you or someone you look after has any of the below symptoms, call 999 or go to the Emergency Department at Prince Charles Hospital, Princess of Wales Hospital or the Royal Glamorgan Hospital.

Babies or young children

Adults or older children

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

A child under 5 may have sepsis if they:

Are not feeding
Are vomiting repeatedly

Have not passed urine for 12 hours

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

Call 111 for advice, if you, or someone you care for:

feels very unwell or like there's something seriously wrong
has not passed urine all day (for adults and older children) or in the last 12 hours (for babies and young children)
keeps vomiting and cannot keep any food or milk down (for babies and young children)
has swelling or pain around a cut or wound
has a very high or low temperature, feels hot or cold to the touch, or is shivering

Do not worry if you're not sure if it's sepsis – it's still best to check. By calling 111, they can advise on what to do next.