What are the symptoms of sepsis?

Sepsis is the body's dangerous response to an infection and can worsen quickly. The infection may start in the lungs, urinary tract, skin or another area. Pneumonia and a urinary tract infection are possible sources, but symptoms alone cannot identify the source.

A person may feel generally unwell, develop fever or feel unusually cold, and become breathless or dizzy. New confusion, slurred speech, mottled or pale skin, severe weakness, or passing very little urine are especially concerning changes. Not every person has every sign.

Treat suspected sepsis as an emergency. Call emergency services immediately if someone is confused, struggling to breathe, faint, difficult to wake, or rapidly deteriorating. Tell responders about a known infection, recent procedure, medicines and when the changes began.

Do not leave the person alone or ask them to drive. Keep them comfortable while help is arranged, and take their medicines or medical information if this does not delay assistance. Hospital care may include monitoring, treatment of the infection and IV fluid therapy.

Get emergency help for a combination of infection symptoms and marked deterioration, particularly confusion, severe breathlessness, blue or mottled skin, collapse, very little urine or inability to stay awake. Babies, older adults and people with weakened immunity may show less typical signs.

After urgent assessment, ask what infection may have triggered the illness, which warning signs to monitor, how medicines should be taken, and when follow-up is needed. Ask how to manage fluids if appetite and drinking remain poor.