Sepsis can be very difficult to notice at first, as symptoms may be vague or similar to an infection such as flu. It has previously been called septicaemia or blood poisoning. However, what seems mild can worsen quickly and needs hospital management.
Symptoms are varied, from feeling generally unwell, feverishness, sweating and difficulty breathing or the skin feeling cold to more localised symptoms. Persistent vomiting, not passing any urine, and swelling and redness or pain around a wound may also be indicators.
Similarly, look for skin changes such as blue, pale or blotchy skin, or a rash that doesn’t blanch when you roll a glass over it, as in meningitis. Confusion, not making sense or slurred speech are also serious signs.
In babies and children, breathing may be rapid, and…
