Did you know sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection?

It occurs when your immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to damage your body's own tissues and organs, explains the NHS.

However, some people are more likely to get an infection that could lead to sepsis including babies under 1, people over 75 and those with diabetes.

As sepsis can be hard to spot, here are the signs and symptoms to watch out for and what you need to do if you have it.

How to spot signs and symptoms of sepsis

You must call 999 or go to A&E if a baby or young child has any of the following symptoms, reports the NHS:

  • 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
  • difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their stomach sucking under their ribcage), breathlessness or breathing very fast
  • a weak, high-pitched cry that's not like their normal cry
  • not responding like they normally do, or not interested in feeding or normal activities
  • being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake

How to tell if you have a cold, the flu or COVID-19

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Additionally, you must call 999 or go to A&E if an older child or adult has the following symptoms:

  • acting confused, slurred speech or not making sense
  • 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
  • difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast

It’s important to note someone who has sepsis may not have all the above symptoms.