Hi, I’m Dr Ranj Singh. I’m an NHS childrens’ doctor
I'm here to tell you about Sepsis
Sepsis is a rare but potentially deadly reaction to infection,
when the immune system goes into overdrive, and begins to cause harm.
If your child under the age of 5 is unwell with a bug or infection,
watch them closely.
The following symptoms may be signs of sepsis.
Go to A&E straight away or call 999 if:
Your child looks mottled, bluish or pale
They're very lethargic, or difficult to wake
They feel abnormally cold to touch.
They're breathing very fast
They have a rash that doesn't fade when you press it
and remember to keep checking rashes as they can change.
Or they have a fit or convulsion.
Call 111 for urgent advice if you see any of the following potential signs of sepsis:
For babies under 3 months: any temperature over 38ºC
For babies between 3 and 6 months old: any temperature over 39ºC
For children over the age of 6 months, the height of their temperature
is not always the best indicator of how unwell they are.
Instead, healthcare professionals will look for other signs and symptoms.
The following features of temperature are concerning in a baby or child of any age:
A high temperature that lasts more than 5 days.
A temperature under 36ºC
Low temperatures should be checked 3 times in 10 minutes.
Other signs to look out for are that they're finding it harder to breathe
they are making “grunting” noises with every breath
or if your child can normally talk but they are now unable to say more than a few words at once.
Equally, call if their breathing obviously pauses.
They've not drunk for more than eight hours whilst awake,
have not had a wee or wet nappy in the last 12 hours
their eyes look “sunken”
or if your baby under one month old has no interest in feeding.
They're vomiting green, bloody or black vomit.
They cannot be encouraged to show interest in anything.
They've become floppy, they're not responding or are very irritable
You feel the soft spot (or fontanelle) on your baby's head is bulging.
There's a weak, whining or continuous crying in a younger child.
Any older child who's confused, or has neck stiffness
and finds it difficult to put their chin on their chest
And if you feel your child is more unwell,
you're more worried than when you previously sought advice,
or you're concerned you're unable to look after them.
Remember, sepsis can develop quickly.
So even if your child has been seen and sent home by a health care professional
keep an eye on them.
If you're worried your child is getting worse or they are sicker than you would expect,
act quickly.
You know your child best so trust your instincts
If you see something that you're worried about, speak to a healthcare professional,
And ask, could this be sepsis?
And remember, go to A&E or call 999 if you see any of these warning signs.
OR call 111 for urgent medical advice if you see any of the following