Sepsis

Sepsis is estimated to affect more than 260,000 people each year in the UK and at least 48,000 of those affected will die. It kills more people each year in the UK than breast, bowel and prostate cancers combined.

Sepsis can lead to shock, multiple organ failure and death, especially if not recognised early and treated promptly. Sepsis can occur following chest or water infections, problems in the abdomen like burst ulcers, or simple skin injuries like cuts and bites.

There are 10,000 cases of Sepsis in children each year, 1000 of whom will die.

Call 999 or go to the Emergency Unit if:

A baby or young child has any of these symptoms of sepsis:

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
difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their stomach sucking under their ribcage), breathlessness or breathing very fast
a weak, high-pitched cry that's not like their normal cry
not responding like they normally do, or not interested in feeding or normal activities
being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake

They may not have all these symptoms.

An adult or older child has any of these symptoms of sepsis:

acting confused, slurred speech or not making sense
blue, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue -on brown or black skin, blueness may be easier to see on the lips, tongue or gums, under the nails or around the eyes
a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it
difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast

They may not have all these symptoms.

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Bring any medicines you take with you.

Call NHS 111 Wales if:

You, your child or someone you look after:

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

Click for further information:

Sam's Story

Rebecca Howells' son Sam contracted Sepsis when he was 4 years old following a bout of pneumonia. Sam beat the odds and overcame a 5% chance of survival, facing brain damage, amputation and locked-in syndrome during his illness.

He is eight years old and has undergone nine operations over the last four years, and is now riding his bike and taking part in sports days.

Rebecca is keen that there is more awareness of Sepsis so no one has to go through what her family did four years ago. You can watch Sam’s story below.