WSD 2018: World Sepsis Day 13 September 2018

Today is World Sepsis Day.

Sepsis is when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs.
Recovery from sepsis can take a long time, so if we can recognise sepsis sooner then we can start treating it sooner.

In most cases it is curable and even preventable but all around the world between 6 and 9 million people die from it every year.  That is shocking.

It is often caused by seasonal infections and flu and it can be caused by most types of microorganisms: bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites...

... being clean and hand washing and making sure surfaces are clean can help prevent sepsis.

Susceptibility

Some cancer-fighting agents (chemo-therapeutics) and some drugs used to treat severe rheumatism, gastro-intestinal illnesses, or to suppress the body's rejection of an organ transplant can we can all immune systems and make us more susceptible to it.

Immunising as an early intervention can also help.

Identifying Sepsis

Below are some of the symptoms:
S:  Slurred speech or confusion
E:  Extreme shivering or muscle pain
P:  Passing no urine (in a day)
S:  Severe breathlessness
 I:    It feels like you're going to die
S:  Skin mottled or discoloured

SEPSIS in Children

If your child is unwell with either a fever or very low temperature (or has had a fever in the last 24 hours), just ask: could it be SEPSIS?
  - Has a ‘fit' or convulsion
  - Looks mottled, bluish, or pale
  - Has a rash that does not fade when you press it
  - Is very lethargic or difficult to wake
  - Feels abnormally cold to touch
  - Is vomiting repeatedly

  - Hasn't had a wee or wet nappy for 12 hours 

Any child who is breathing very fast might have SEPSIS. 
Call 999 and just ask: could it be SEPSIS?

Any child under 5 who is not feeding might have SEPSIS. 

If you're worried they're deteriorating call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 or see your GP.