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Warning-sign checks

Sepsis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services now if you or someone else may have an infection and has any of the following:

    • New confusion, collapse, or difficulty waking
    • Severe difficulty breathing or very rapid breathing
    • Blue, grey, very pale, blotchy, or markedly discoloured skin
    • A seizure
    • A rash that does not fade when pressed
    • Severe weakness with fainting or signs of very low blood pressure
    • Rapid worsening with a strong sense that something is seriously wrong

    For a baby or young child, emergency signs also include being floppy or unresponsive, struggling to breathe, having a weak or unusual cry, or being difficult to wake.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent same-day medical assessment for an infection with worsening symptoms, repeated vomiting, much less urine, increasing sleepiness, severe pain, or fever and chills in someone at high risk of serious infection.

    Do not wait for every typical symptom or for a rash to appear.

    If these changes occur while you are already in a hospital or care facility, alert staff immediately.

    Sudden deterioration should be treated as urgent rather than saved for a routine appointment.

The article also says

After discharge, contact your usual healthcare service for non-emergency problems such as ongoing fatigue, reduced mobility, sleep disturbance, low mood, or difficulty managing daily tasks.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Sepsis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.