Sepsis can cause death. If you or someone you look after has any of the following serious symptoms of sepsis, immediately call Triple Zero (000) or go to a hospital emergency department.
Serious symptoms of sepsis can include:
Sepsis is when your body has an extreme response to an infection ('blood poisoning'). It is a life-threatening condition and you need immediate medical attention. It can cause death or permanent damage to your body without treatment.
Sepsis starts with an infection. It is most likely to start with a bacterial infection.
Infections which may cause sepsis can be anywhere in the body. However, they are more common in the lungs, bladder and kidneys, skin, throat or gut.
Infections with bacteria such as meningococcus or Streptococcus can lead to sepsis.
There are many signs and symptoms of sepsis. Follow the advice below. You do not need to have all of the symptoms listed.
Even if you have already seen a doctor, if you or your child is still sick and not getting better, go back to your doctor or hospital emergency department.
Immediately call Triple Zero (000) or go to a hospital emergency department if you have these serious symptoms of sepsis:
Call your doctor or healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (a 24-hour service) if you are unsure or if you have these general symptoms of infection that may lead to sepsis:
Immediately call Triple Zero (000) or go to a hospital emergency department if your baby or young child has these serious symptoms of sepsis:
Call your doctor or healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (a 24-hour service) if you are unsure or if your baby or young child has these general symptoms of infection that may lead to sepsis:
Immediately call Triple Zero (000) or go to a hospital emergency department if you have the same symptoms as adults above, as well as:
Sepsis does not spread from person to person. However, the original infection that caused sepsis can spread between people.
Sepsis can affect anyone.
However, some people are more likely to develop sepsis. This includes if you:
You can lower your risk of sepsis by preventing infection and managing chronic illnesses:
There is no single test for sepsis. To see if you have sepsis, a doctor will:
You need to call Triple Zero (000) or go to a hospital emergency department immediately if you have any of the serious symptoms of sepsis. Sepsis is serious and may cause death or permanent damage to your body without treatment. Treatment for sepsis works best when started as soon as possible. People with sepsis are treated in hospital.
You may need to be treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) in the hospital if you are really sick.
Treatment may include:
Doctors and laboratories may need to notify the local Public Health Unit if the infection which caused your sepsis is a notifiable condition. Public Health Unit staff may contact your close contacts to give advice and discuss any medicines they may need.