Sepsis is a life-threatening overreaction of the body to an infection, and it can develop quickly from any infection, including chest, urine, skin, or abdominal infections. Because it is a medical emergency, recognizing it early saves lives.
In adults, key warning signs can be remembered loosely as: Slurred speech or confusion, Extreme shivering or muscle pain, Passing no urine in a day, Severe breathlessness, skin that is mottled, pale, or discolored, and a strong feeling that you are seriously unwell or that something is very wrong. In children, watch for fast breathing, a fit or convulsion, a non-fading rash, very cold hands and feet, and unusual sleepiness or difficulty waking.
If you or someone else has an infection and develops any of these signs, call your local emergency number or go straight to the emergency room and say clearly that you are worried about sepsis. Do not wait for an online or routine appointment; sepsis can worsen within hours.