The NHS in Mid and South Essex has shared the following advice about recognising and treating sepsis in children and babies.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis, although rare, can be a serious reaction to an infection. When your body fights an infection, its immune system can sometimes overreact, causing damage to its own tissues.
Signs of sepsis
Sepsis can be difficult to identify, especially in children. Common symptoms include:
Fever or high temperature
Feeling very unwell
Symptoms can mimic other illnesses like flu or a chest infection
If you think your child might have an infection and is more unwell than you expect or is getting worse despite treatment, it could be sepsis.
Diagnosis
Sepsis can be difficult to recognise, especially in young children and those with learning disabilities. There is no single test for sepsis, but the diagnosis involves assessing vital signs like temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure.
The tests to look for the infection will vary depending on age, symptoms and medical history.
They can include blood tests, urine tests, chest X-rays and occasionally lumbar puncture (needle in the back to collect spinal fluid).
Your healthcare team should talk to you about any tests or procedures they would like to do, what will happen and what they are for.
I think my child has sepsis!
When to go to A&E or call 999:
Difficulty breathing (grunting noises or stomach sucking under the ribcage), fast breathing or breathlessness.
Has a ‘fit’ or convulsion.
Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.
A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis.
A weak, high-pitched cry that’s not like their normal cry.
Feels abnormally cold to touch.
When to call your GP or 111
Your child feels very unwell or like there’s something seriously wrong.
Has not had a pee all day (for adults and older children) or in the last 12 hours (for babies and young children).
Keeps vomiting and cannot keep any food or milk down (for babies and young children).
Has swelling or pain around a cut or wound.
Has a very high or low temperature, feels hot or cold to the touch, or is shivering.
Do not worry if you’re not sure if it is sepsis, it’s still best to call 111. They can tell you what to do, arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor, or call you an ambulance.
When to treat your child at home
If your child has none of the above, watch them closely for any change and look out for any red or amber symptoms. You can continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, call NHS 111 – dial 111
If you’re worried that your child or baby is not getting better, still seems unwell or is not themselves, you should talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional.
It is important to ask for advice if you’re worried, even if you have already seen a doctor, are still having treatment, or are back home. This is because the problems caused by sepsis can come on very quickly, and you may need more (or different) treatment. You should always feel that you can ask questions at any point in your care.
For more information, including a video on spotting sepsis children, visit the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (MSE ICS) website.