Sepsis (also known as blood poisoning) is the immune system’s overreaction to an infection or injury. Normally our immune system fights infection – but sometimes, for reasons we don’t yet understand, it attacks our body’s own organs and tissues. If not treated immediately, sepsis can result in organ failure and death. Yet with early diagnosis, it can be treated with antibiotics.
Sepsis can initially look like flu, gastroenteritis or a chest infection. There is no one sign, and symptoms present differently between adults and children.
- 25,000 children are affected by sepsis every year
- 1/4 of all survivors of sepsis suffer permanent life-changing after effects
- 5 people are killed by sepsis every hour in the UK
Frequently asked questions:
Click here to learn more (taken from The UK Sepsis Trust)
- What causes sepsis
- How do I know if I might have sepsis
- What are the symptoms of sepsis in children
- What should I do I think someone has sepsis
- Are some people at greater risk of getting sepsis
- I’ve just come out of hospital after sepsis. How should I expect to feel?
- When should I think about going back to work?
- I have started to lose my hair – could this be related to my sepsis?
- Can you get sespis more than once?
- I am gettgin one infection after another. Has sepsis affected my immunity?
- I am unhappy about the care I or my elative received from my doctor or the hospital. How do I go about raingin concerns?
- Why is is that no matter how much rest I get, I am tired all the time?
- What exercises can I do to help my recovery?
Returning to work and financial worries
- Sepsis: A guide for patients and relatives
- Information about post-operative sepsis for patients and relatives
- Sepsis: Survivor’s booklet
- Practical and legal information
Get support from the Sepsis Trust