Signs of sepsis in an infant

Sepsis is a serious response to an infection that can affect the whole body. An infant may seem different from usual: difficult to wake, floppy, unusually irritable or unable to feed. Breathing may become fast, laboured or interrupted. Skin can look pale, blue, grey or mottled, and hands or feet may feel unusually cold. Fever is possible, but a low temperature can also be a warning sign. Cellulitis, Pneumonia or a Urinary Tract Infection may be sources of infection.

If an infant has a worrying combination of these changes, seek emergency medical help immediately. Keep the baby with you, keep them comfortably warm and do not force feeds if breathing is difficult or the baby is too sleepy. Bring any medicines and note the temperature, feeding pattern, wet nappies and when the change started. Do not wait to see whether a fever develops.

Call emergency services for blue or grey colour, severe breathing effort, pauses in breathing, collapse, a seizure, unresponsiveness or a baby who cannot be roused. Urgent assessment is also needed for marked weakness, persistent vomiting, very poor feeding, much less urine, a fever or low temperature, or skin that becomes pale and mottled. Chills or a generally unwell appearance can add to concern.

Where might the infection be starting? Does the baby need hospital observation or tests? What changes in feeding, breathing, temperature or urine should prompt immediate return?