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What is sepsis?
What are the symptoms of sepsis?
1. Adults and older children
2. Young children and babies
3. Pregnant women or women who have recently given birth
Who is at risk of sepsis?
How is sepsis prevented?
How is sepsis diagnosed?
How is sepsis treated?
What is post-sepsis syndrome?
​

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is when your body has an extreme response to an infection.  You need immediate medical attention, as it can cause death or permanent damage to your body without treatment.

Sepsis always starts with an infection. Infections which may cause sepsis can be anywhere in the body, such as in the lungs, skin, abdomen or gut (for example, after surgery), and urinary tract. Not all infections lead to sepsis. However, if you have already seen your doctor and have been told you have an infection, and you are worried that you or your child are getting worse, then go back for another review and ask, ‘could it be sepsis?’

Sepsis does not spread from person to person. However, the original infection that caused sepsis can spread between people.

What are the symptoms of sepsis?

There are many signs and symptoms of sepsis. You do not need to have all the symptoms listed.

Adults and older children

Serious symptoms

Immediately call Triple Zero (000) or go to a hospital emergency department if you have any of these serious symptoms of sepsis:

• feeling very sick (the worst you have ever felt) or getting very sick, very quickly
• difficulty breathing or breathing very quickly
• confusion
• not needing to urinate (wee) all day
• a new painful rash or a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it
• blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin.

General symptoms

If you are unsure or if you have any of these general symptoms of infection that may lead to sepsis, call your doctor or healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (a 24-hour service):

• fever or shivering
• feeling very tired
• vomiting or diarrhoea
• headache
• swelling or pain around a cut or wound
• sore muscles, joints, or limbs
• rapid heart rate or pulse.

Young children and babies

Serious symptoms

Immediately call Triple Zero (000) or go to a hospital emergency department if your baby or young child has any of these serious symptoms of sepsis:

• you feel like your child is very sick or feel that something is seriously wrong with your child - you know your child best
• getting very sick, very quickly
• not needing to urinate (wee) all day or less wet nappies (less wee) than usual
• being quieter or sleepier than normal or difficult to wake
• irritable and can’t comfort them
• a painful rash or a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it
• blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin
• difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their lower chest getting sucked in as they breathe) or breathing very quickly
• fever in a child less than 3 months old
• low temperature or cold skin in babies less than 1 month old
• feels floppy when you pick them up
• convulsions or seizures
• a weak or high-pitched cry that's not the same as their normal cry.
  

General symptoms

If you are unsure or if your baby or young child has any of these general symptoms of infection that may lead to sepsis, call your doctor or healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (a 24-hour service):

• not behaving or acting like they normally do
• not interested in eating, feeding or normal activities
• vomiting or diarrhoea
• swelling or pain around a cut or wound.

Pregnant women or women who have recently given birth (also known as maternal sepsis)

Sepsis is a particular risk to pregnant women and up to 6 weeks following birth. The most common causes of maternal sepsis are infections of the uterus, urinary tract, orcomplications from childbirth or pregnancy-related procedures.

Immediately call Triple Zero (000) or go to a hospital emergency department if you are pregnant or have recently given birth and have any of the same serious symptoms listed above for adults, as well as:

• worsening abdominal pain and/or distension (swelling)
• worsening pain in any stitches you may have
• discoloured or odorous vaginal discharge (fluid) or urine
• rapidly spreading skin infection
• breast, wound or cannula (IV) site redness, swelling, pain
• unexpected bleeding.

If you are unsure or have any of the general symptoms of infection that may lead to sepsis, call your doctor, midwife, local maternity service or healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (a 24-hour service).

For more information, read maternal sepsis.

Who is at risk of sepsis?

Sepsis can affect anyone.

Some people are more likely to develop sepsis. This includes those who:

• are 5 years of age and under, especially babies under 3 months of age
• are 65 years of age and older
• are pregnant or have recently given birth (within 6 weeks)
• have a weak immune system
• have an existing, chronic illness such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer or kidney disease
• have had sepsis before
• have recently been in hospital or had a severe illness
• are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

How is sepsis prevented?

You can lower your risk of sepsis by preventing infection and managing chronic illnesses.

• Practise good hygiene: wash or sanitise your hands often and cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Do not share personal items (such as razors or toothbrushes).
• Cover cuts and wounds and keep them clean until healed.
  
• Keep up to date with your recommended vaccinations.
• Speak to your doctor regularly if you have a chronic health condition such as diabetes, lung disease or kidney disease. Follow their advice, including taking prescribed medicines.
• Stay at home if you are sick to protect others.

How is sepsis diagnosed?

There is no single test for sepsis. To see if you have sepsis, a doctor will:

• ask you about your symptoms
• examine you
• perform some tests.

How is sepsis treated?

People with sepsis are treated in hospital. You may need to be treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) if you are really sick. Treatment may include:

• medicines such as antibiotics
• fluids through a drip (needle in your arm)
• breathing support
• surgery.

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.

What is post-sepsis syndrome?

People who recover from sepsis can sometimes experience long-term physical, psychological and emotional effects from sepsis. This is called ‘post-sepsis syndrome’. It can last between 6 and 18 months or sometimes longer.

Effects of post-sepsis syndrome can include:

• difficulty sleeping (such as insomnia)
  
• nightmares, hallucinations, flashbacks or panic attacks
  
• muscle and joint pain that can be severe and disabling​
• feeling very tired
• inability to concentrate
• confusion
• loss of confidence and self-belief.

Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about post-sepsis syndrome.​​