What is Sepsis?
Sepsis is a rare but serious reaction to an infection. If you get an infection, your body’s immune system responds by trying to fight it. Sepsis is when this immune system response becomes overactive and starts to cause damage to the body itself. It can be hard to tell if you have sepsis. Your child might have a fever or high temperature or just feel very unwell. Sepsis needs to be treated urgently because it can quickly get worse and lead to septic shock (low blood pressure and or fast heart rate)
Who is more at risk of sepsis?
Children who have:
- not been immunised
- recently had surgery, trauma or minor procedures
- weak immune systems due to illness or drugs (like chemotherapy)
- recently had a serious illness (including chicken pox)
- chronic diseases (children with cerebral palsy, or cystic fibrosis)
Babies:
- born prematurely
- younger than 1 year
- whose mother had an infection while pregnant.
How do I know if my child has sepsis?
If you think your child might have an infection and is more unwell than you expect or is getting worse despite treatment, it could be sepsis. Sepsis can look like other conditions, for example flu or a chest infection. Sepsis can be especially hard to spot in babies and young children, children and young people with a learning disability.
There is no one test to see if your child has sepsis. The diagnosis of sepsis is based on simple measurements (vital signs) such as temperature, heart rate and blood pressure.
The tests to look for the infection will vary depending on their age, symptoms and medical history. They can include blood tests, urine tests, chest X-rays and occasionally lumbar puncture (needle in the back to collect spinal fluid)
Your healthcare team should talk to you about any tests or procedures they would like to do, what will happen and what they are for.
What do I do if I am worried my child has sepsis?
You need urgent help from an emergency department
If your child has any of the following, you need to go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999.
- Difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their stomach sucking under their ribcage), breathlessness or breathing very fast.
- Has a ‘fit’ or convulsion.
- Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.
- A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis.
More advice can be found on the NHS website, including what a rash will look like on darker skin. - A weak, high-pitched cry that’s not like their normal cry.
- Feels abnormally cold to touch.
More advice on how to take your child’s temperature.
You need to contact a doctor or nurse today
If your child has any of the following, please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 – dial 111.
- Feels very unwell or like there’s something seriously wrong.
- Has not had a pee 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.
More advice on how to take your child’s temperature. - Do not worry if you’re not sure if it is sepsis, it’s still best to call 111. They can tell you what to do, arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor, or call you an ambulance.
Treat your child at home
If your child has none of the above, watch them closely for any change and look out for any red or amber symptoms. You can continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, call NHS 111 – dial 111
If you’re worried that your child or baby is not getting better, still seems unwell or is not themselves, you should talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional.
It is important to ask for advice if you’re worried, even if you have already seen a doctor, are still having treatment, or are back home. This is because the problems caused by sepsis can come on very quickly, and you may need more (or different) treatment. You should always feel that you can ask questions at any point in your care.
Video: Spotting sepsis children
Sepsis is a rare by deadly reaction to infection. If your child is unwell with a bug or infection – keep an eye on them. In this video Dr Ranj Singh talks you through the signs of sepsis to look out for.