Sepsis happens when the body’s response to an infection turns against itself. Instead of just fighting off the germs causing the infection, the immune system goes into overdrive — causing widespread inflammation that can damage your organs. It can escalate within hours, and if it isn’t treated quickly, it can lead to septic shock, organ failure, and death.
It’s more common than many people realise: around 245,000 people in the UK are affected by sepsis each year, and it contributes to roughly 48,000 deaths.
Sepsis can follow almost any infection — most often bacterial, though viral, fungal, and parasitic infections can trigger it too. Common starting points include chest infections, urinary tract infections, and infections following surgery or a wound.
Some people are at higher risk, including:
But it’s worth saying clearly: sepsis can affect anyone, including people who were perfectly healthy beforehand. Most cases don’t start in hospital — they start with an infection at home that gets worse.
Early sepsis can look like a bad flu or a stomach bug, which is part of what makes it dangerous. Trust your instincts — if someone seems seriously unwell in a way that doesn’t add up, that matters as much as any single symptom on this list.
Other symptoms can include feeling extremely unwell, a high or low temperature, a fast heartbeat, dizziness or fainting, and persistent vomiting.
Sepsis can be genuinely hard to spot, even for experienced clinicians, because the early signs overlap with so many less serious illnesses. If something feels wrong and you’re not getting anywhere, it’s entirely reasonable to ask directly: “could this be sepsis?”
Sepsis is treated in hospital, usually urgently. The mainstays are antibiotics to tackle the underlying infection and IV fluids to support blood pressure, alongside close monitoring. In more severe cases, patients may need extra support such as help with breathing (ventilation) or kidney support (dialysis). The earlier treatment starts, the better the outcome — which is exactly why speed matters so much.
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent sepsis, and even people at higher risk don’t develop it from most infections. That said, a few habits genuinely help:
Most infections do not lead to sepsis. However, recognising when someone is becoming seriously unwell and seeking help promptly can be lifesaving.
Sepsis moves fast, and acting fast is what saves lives. If you’re worried about yourself or someone you care for, don’t wait it out at home and don’t wait for a routine appointment — call 999 or go to A&E, and say you’re concerned about sepsis.
For more information, please visit ‘The UK Sepsis Trust’ – https://sepsistrust.org/about-sepsis/
This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. If you’re currently unwell and unsure whether you need emergency care, please contact 999 or NHS 111, or seek in-person assessment.
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