Sepsis fact sheet

Sepsis, also referred to as blood poisoning or septicaemia, is a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection or even a simple injury.

Sepsis is can be very serious, however it can be easily treated if caught early. The important thing is to recognise the symptoms early and get to A&E or call 999.

You should seek medical help if you show any of the following symptoms:

Slurred speech or confusion
Extreme shivering or muscle pain
Passing no urine (in a day)
Severe breathlessness
Skin mottled or discoloured.

Find out everything you need to know in this useful booklet produced by The UK Sepsis Trust:

Sepsis: A Guide for Patients and Relatives

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Contact the Patients Association helpline

The Patients Association offers a free national helpline providing specialist information and advice to help patients make sense of their health and social care.

Patients can talk directly to trained advisers in strict confidence about any concerns, questions or general experiences they have regarding the NHS and social care systems.

The helpline is open from 9.30 am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and calls outside these times are returned as soon as possible during opening hours.

If you would like to contact the helpline, please call free on 0800 345 7115, or visit the Patients Association helpline page on our website for more information.

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