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Spotted UK

Local News Reports

Red flag sepsis symptoms in adults and simple code to remember them

BySpotted UK

Sep 13, 2023

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that kills five people in the UK every hour.

Sepsis occurs when the body’s immune system goes into overdrive. It can lead to shock, multiple organ failure and sometimes death, especially if not recognised early and treated promptly.

It is therefore important to know the signs of sepsis, so you or somebody you know would get the right treatment as soon as possible, if the worst were to happen.

READ MORE: Why you need to go to the toilet so much at night – and when to be worried

The Sepsis Trust lists six red flag warning signs of sepsis in adults and urges "seek medical help urgently if you, or another adult, develop any of these symptoms". Handily, the symptoms list also spells out SEPSIS.

  • Slurred speech or confusion
  • Extreme shivering or muscle pain
  • Passing no urine (in a day)
  • Severe breathlessness
  • It feels like you’re going to die
  • Skin mottled or discoloured

The UK Sepsis Trust reports that around 48,000 deaths are attributed to sepsis annually in the UK. Approximately 25% of these deaths are preventable with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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