Sepsis: The Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

 

Sepsis can start from something that looks “ordinary” - a chest infection, a urinary tract infection, a skin wound, even a stomach bug. The danger is not the infection itself, but the way the body can sometimes overreact to it. In sepsis, the immune response becomes dysregulated and can begin to damage the body’s own organs. This is why sepsis is treated as a medical emergency: it can worsen quickly, and early treatment truly can be life-saving.

What is sepsis?

Normally, your immune system fights infection and then settles down. With sepsis, that “fight response” becomes intense and widespread. Blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs can be affected, and the body can begin to show signs of organ strain - such as confusion, very fast breathing, or passing little to no urine. The most important takeaway is this: sepsis is time-critical, and it’s always better to be checked early than to wait and hope it passes.

The red-flag signs you should treat as urgent

If an adult (or older child) with an infection suddenly becomes very unwell, do not “watch and wait” if you notice any of the following:

1) New confusion or slurred speech

If someone is not making sense, seems disoriented, unusually drowsy, or their speech is slurred, treat it as an emergency. This can be a sign that the brain is not getting the support it needs (for example, from poor oxygenation, low blood pressure, or systemic inflammation).

2) Breathing that looks “wrong”

Severe breathlessness, breathing very fast, or struggling to catch a breath is a major warning sign. Even if the person has a history of asthma or COPD, a sudden change from their normal deserves urgent attention.

3) Skin colour changes

Look for blue/grey/pale/blotchy or mottled skin, lips, or tongue. On darker skin, colour changes may be easier to see on the palms, soles, inside of the lips, or nail beds. These changes can signal circulation or oxygen problems.

4) Passing little or no urine

If someone is barely urinating (or not at all), especially over many hours, this can be a sign that the kidneys are under stress and needs urgent assessment.

5) Severe shivering, muscle pain, or extreme weakness

Feeling violently cold, shaking uncontrollably, or having intense muscle pain can be part of a severe systemic response to infection.

6) “I feel like I might die” or sudden collapse

People with sepsis sometimes describe a terrifying sense that something is seriously wrong, beyond normal flu-like illness. If someone collapses, is difficult to wake, or looks critically unwell, treat it as an emergency.

7) A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed

A non-blanching rash (one that doesn’t fade when you press a clear glass against it) can be a red flag, especially when paired with fever or severe illness.

Who is more at risk (and should be extra cautious)

Sepsis can affect anyone, but risk is higher in people who are:

• Over 65 or very young (babies and small children)
• Pregnant or recently pregnant
• Living with chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease, chronic lung disease)
• Immunocompromised (from medication, chemotherapy, HIV, etc.)
• Recently hospitalised, post-surgery, or living with indwelling devices (e.g., catheters)

Being “higher risk” doesn’t mean sepsis will happen - it simply means you should act sooner if an infection seems to be worsening.

What to do if you suspect sepsis

If you notice any red-flag signs, seek emergency medical care immediately (go to the nearest emergency unit or call your local emergency number). Do not wait for an appointment slot, and do not try to “sleep it off”.

If symptoms are milder but you’re worried an infection is not improving, it’s still wise to contact a clinician promptly for advice - especially for high-risk patients.

Prevention: small habits that lower your risk

You can’t prevent every infection, but you can lower risk by:

• Treating wounds early (cleaning, covering, watching for spreading redness)
• Staying up to date with recommended vaccines (as guided by your doctor)
• Managing chronic conditions consistently (e.g., good diabetes control)
• Seeking help early for infections that are worsening rather than improving

Closing thoughts

Sepsis awareness is not about panic - it’s about recognising when an infection is crossing a line into something more serious. If your instincts tell you “this is not normal”, trust that feeling and get help quickly.

Sources

• NHS - Sepsis symptoms and urgent warning signs. (nhs.uk)
• NICE - Suspected sepsis in people aged 16+ (recognition and early management). (NICE)
• UK Sepsis Trust - About sepsis and key warning signs. (The UK Sepsis Trust)