Recognising the signs and symptoms of sepsis

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Date published: 13 September 2018

It’s important to recognise the signs and symptoms of sepsis. Also referred to as blood poisoning or septicaemia, it can be a life-threatening condition. Get medical help immediately if you think you’ve noticed the early signs of sepsis.

Sepsis and septic shock

You should keep sepsis in mind when someone:

  • becomes very unwell
  • acts differently than they have previously when they had an infection
  • has a fast heartbeat
  • has fast breathing or difficulty breathing

The early symptoms of sepsis include:

  • a high temperature (fever) or, due to changes in circulation, a low body temperature instead
  • chills and shivering

In some cases, and often very quickly, severe sepsis or septic shock can develop. Symptoms include:

  • feeling dizzy or faint
  • confusion or disorientation
  • slurred speech
  • severe muscle pain
  • severe breathlessness
  • not urinating for a day
  • cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin, or grey (ashen) appearance

You can find more information at the following link:

Severe sepsis and septic shock are medical emergencies. If you think you or someone you know has one of these conditions, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

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