6 Warning Signs of Sepsis You Should Never Ignore

When to Act - 6 Crucial Sepsis Signs You Should Know

At 121 Pharmacy, we often get asked about sepsis, and we’re always clear that it’s a condition that should be taken very seriously and treated as a medical emergency. Being informed is your best defence. Sepsis occurs when an infection - even something as simple as a urinary tract infection, a cut, a chest infection or even flu - triggers a high-intensity response in your body.

When it’s spotted early, treatment is very effective, but if sepsis is missed or left untreated, it can progress rapidly and become life threatening.

We want to help you spot the difference between 'feeling under the weather' and a medical emergency. These six signs are your body’s way of saying it needs extra help right away.

1. Mental Confusion

Has the person suddenly become confused, agitated, or slurry in their speech? Sepsis can restrict oxygen to the brain, causing rapid changes in behaviour. This is especially common in older people or those with existing health conditions.

2. Extreme Breathlessness

Look for signs that the lungs are working too hard. This might look like:

• Fast, shallow breathing.
• A feeling of being unable to catch a breath.
• Struggling to speak in full sentences.

3. Temperature Extremes

Sepsis isn’t just about high fevers. Be alert to both extremes:

• High - Hot, flushed skin and sweating. Temperature above normal
• Low - Intense shivering, chattering teeth, or skin that feels cold and clammy. Temperature below normal.

4. "Is It Just Sleepiness?"

Sepsis causes a rapid drop in energy. In children, this looks like sleepiness or 'floppiness' - they may not want to wake up or play. In adults, it feels like the worst flu you've ever had, where even lifting your head feels impossible.

If tiredness appears suddenly and is accompanied by symptoms such as breathlessness, fever or fast heart rate, urgent medical assessment is essential.

5. Reduced Urine Output

This is a vital clue that kidneys are under stress. Be concerned if:

• There has been no urine passed for 12 hours or more.
• Urine is very dark or strong-smelling.
• A baby has fewer wet nappies than usual.

6. Skin Changes

Check the hands, feet, and lips. As circulation struggles, toes or fingers may turn blue, pale, or blotchy (mottled). The skin might feel unusually cold to the touch, even if the person feels feverish inside.

When circulation changes, vital organs are prioritised, and blood shifts away from the skin. This can be a sign that sepsis is rapidly progressing, and emergency care is needed.

Understanding How Sepsis Develops

Sepsis isn’t an infection in itself - it is your body’s extreme, over-active reaction to an existing infection. Normally, your immune system fights germs locally, but with sepsis, it begins releasing chemicals into the bloodstream that cause widespread inflammation throughout the entire body.

This sudden chain reaction can affect how your tissues function, cause your blood pressure to drop, and disrupt how oxygen moves to your vital organs. Without urgent treatment, this can progress to septic shock, a critical stage where organs such as the kidneys or liver begin to fail.

Common Starting Points for Sepsis

Sepsis can start from almost any infection, but we see it develop most frequently after:

• Chest issues - Such as pneumonia or a bad chest infection that isn't clearing up.
• Bladder issues: A urinary tract infection (UTI) or catheter-associated infection.
• Skin issues - Cellulitis, an infected cut, insect bite, or a surgical wound.
• Oral health - A severe dental infection or abscess.
• Abdominal issues - Complicated stomach infections or appendicitis.

Who Needs to be Extra Careful?

While anyone, at any age, can develop sepsis, certain groups have a higher risk because their immune systems are either developing or weakened. We recommend being extra vigilant with:

• The very young - Babies (especially under 1) and young children.
• The older generation - Particularly people over 60.
• Those with compromised immunity - People undergoing chemotherapy or on long-term steroids.
• Those with chronic conditions - Individuals managing diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer.
• Recent patients - Anyone who has recently had surgery or a hospital stay.

Knowing these risks isn't about panicking - it’s about awareness. The more you know, the faster you can spot the signs.

What To Do If You Suspect Sepsis

If you think someone has sepsis, act quickly. Sepsis can worsen in a matter of hours and needs urgent hospital treatment.

Steps to take:

1. Call 999 if the person is struggling to breathe, collapsing or confused.
2. Contact NHS 111 if symptoms are concerning but not immediately life threatening.
3. Keep track of symptoms and any recent infections.

Healthcare teams may give oxygen, fluids, antibiotics and monitoring depending on the severity.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it is better to get checked.

Sepsis FAQs

Can sepsis be prevented?

You cannot prevent every case, but you can reduce risk by treating infections early, keeping wounds clean and seeking help if symptoms worsen.

Is sepsis contagious?

Sepsis itself is not contagious, but infections that lead to it, such as flu or pneumonia, can spread.

Can healthy people get sepsis?

Yes. Although more common in those with underlying health issues, anyone with an infection is at risk.

Is sepsis always serious?

Yes. Sepsis is always treated as an emergency because it can rapidly impact major organs.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery varies. Some people recover within weeks, while others experience fatigue or weakness for longer. Support is available for ongoing symptoms.

How Your Local Pharmacy Can Help

Our website provides easy access to trusted healthcare products, treatment options, and information that helps you act early if symptoms change or worsen.

At 121 Pharmacy, you can find:

• Pain relief products and fever support
• First aid supplies for wound care
• Products to ease cold and flu symptoms

At 121 Pharmacy, you can browse, order and receive products delivered straight to your door without needing to leave home. This is particularly helpful when someone is unwell, recovering, or monitoring symptoms.

Caring for infections early and monitoring symptoms closely can make all the difference. If symptoms worsen or new warning signs appear, seek medical help immediately.

Where To Learn More About Sepsis

To explore further information, awareness resources and support, visit the UK Sepsis Trust at:

https://sepsistrust.org/about-sepsis/

Raising awareness and recognising symptoms early helps protect loved ones and supports better outcomes for people affected by sepsis.