‘DON’T OVERLOOK SEPSIS – IT’S DEADLIER THAN CANCER’

Nearly 50,000 people die from blood poisoning every year in the UK. Dr C shares his advice on how to stay safe

More people die from sepsis than from cancer. Globally, one in five deaths is caused by it, and it killed 11 million people in 2017 – probably as it’s often confused with something less serious. The Sepsis Trust believe there are about 250,000 cases every year in the UK, and nearly 50,000 deaths – a rate of about five people an hour.

WASH YOUR HANDS

Sepsis happens when the immune system overreacts to an infection or injury and attacks organs and tissues. It’s been in the news a lot recently, so people may think it’s a new illness.

It’s actually the new name for blood poisoning or septicaemia. Because you get it as a result of infections, it’s important to prevent them. If you’re prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed and finish the course, even if you feel better. Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly and teach your children to wash theirs. It’s also vital to keep any wounds clean and covered, and to get your vaccinations.

KNOW THE SIGNS

It is especially dangerous for the elderly, newborns who already have complications, very young children, people with weakened immune systems, those who’ve had surgery or been seriously ill recently, and women who have just given birth, had a miscarriage or had an abortion. If you’re worried that the awareness level of a baby has changed, particularly if they’ve had other problems, ask for help. Look out for a high or low temperature, blue, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue, a rash that doesn’t fade when you roll a glass over it, difficulty breathing (grunting or their stomach sucking under their ribcage), breathlessness, panting, a weak, high-pitched cry that’s abnormal, and unusual behaviour like listlessness, sleepiness, or being uninterested in feeding. In an adult or older child, additional symptoms to look out for include slurred speech, patches of discoloured skin and changes in mental ability. If you see any of these signs, call 999 or go straight to hospital.

GET HELP FAST

Sepsis causes huge changes to your body very quickly, so be aware of the symptoms and changes. Blood vessels dilate and blood pressure drops, which reduces blood flow to organs. Caught early, it is completely treatable, so if you get to the hospital quickly, you should make a full recovery. That’s why no doctor will tell you off for being anxious about sepsis.