What are the first signs of sepsis?

Sepsis is the body’s dangerous response to an infection. It can start with a rapidly worsening sense that something is seriously wrong, alongside fever, low temperature, shivering, clammy skin, fast breathing, dizziness, or unusual sleepiness. The infection may begin in the lungs, urinary system, skin, or elsewhere. Symptoms can be less typical in older adults, babies, and people with weakened immunity. Do not wait for every warning sign to appear.

If sepsis is possible, seek emergency medical help now and say that you are concerned about sepsis. Do not drive yourself if confused, faint, or severely weak. Note when the change began, recent infections, medicines, allergies, and any measured temperature, but do not delay calling to gather details. Possible starting infections include [Pneumonia](/conditions/pneumonia/), [Urinary Tract Infection](/conditions/urinary-tract-infection/), and [Cellulitis](/conditions/cellulitis/).

Call emergency services for confusion, difficulty staying awake, breathing difficulty, blue or mottled skin, fainting, severe weakness, or rapidly worsening illness. Urgent assessment is also needed when a person with an infection becomes cold and clammy, stops passing urine, or cannot keep fluids down. A normal temperature does not rule out sepsis, particularly in vulnerable people.

Tell clinicians about [Fever](/symptoms/fever/), [Chills](/symptoms/chills/), [Feeling Generally Unwell](/symptoms/feeling-generally-unwell/), [Generalised Weakness](/symptoms/generalised-weakness/), or [Loss of Appetite](/symptoms/loss-of-appetite/), and explain how quickly each change developed.