World Sepsis Day

World Sepsis Day is an initiative by the Global Sepsis Alliance and is held every year on 13th September as an opportunity to fight against sepsis. Annually, sepsis can account for at least 11 million deaths worldwide.

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis (sometimes called septicaemia or blood poisoning) can affect anyone and is life threatening emergency. Sepsis is a response of the body or complication of an infection. The infection can be from anywhere within the body including an infected wound, a urinary infection or pneumonia even seasonal flus where the body may go into overdrive and causing inflammation throughout the whole body. If sepsis is not recognised and treated quickly, it can have devastating consequences.

Symptoms of Sepsis

The below diagram from Global Sepsis Alliance shows the main symptoms to look out for in relation to sepsis.

It is also important to look out for further symptoms:

• Diarrhoea and vomiting
• Low blood pressure and elevated heart rate
• A rash that does not fade when pressed or when you roll a glass over it.

Treatment for sepsis includes antibiotics, oxygen whilst in hospital.

If treated promptly, most people can be expected to make a full recovery, although this may take time. More seriously, if sepsis is not treated promptly, it can turn to septic shock, organ failure and sometimes death.

Some people can be affected by symptoms for months or years, or even the rest of their life, after having sepsis. Post-Sepsis Syndrome is the term commonly used for the long-term effects after sepsis and can include:

• Getting ill more frequently
• Lack of appetite
• Feeling weak, tired and having difficulty sleeping
• Changes in your mood, including sadness and anxiety
• Muscle weakness
• Difficult concentrating

For further information, please click the links that will direct you to the NHS page www.nhs.uk/sepsis or to the World Sepsis Day page www.worldsepsisday.org

If you, or any of your family, have concerns in relation to the medical treatment you received regarding sepsis, please contact Williamsons Solicitors on 01482 323697.