News
Read all about our latest news; from high profile campaigns and events to advances in sepsis policy, care and support.
sepsistrust.orgHere are the latest publicly available highlights on sepsis symptoms, drawn from reputable health authorities and recent sepsis-focused organizations.
Key signs to watch for (general, across adults and children)
- Fever or abnormally low temperature, shivering, or cold clammy skin
- Confusion, dizziness, or altered mental status
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Rapid or weak pulse; low blood pressure in advanced cases
- Severe pain or discomfort, sometimes described as “I feel like I might die”
- Decreased urine output or severe fatigue These symptoms can appear quickly and may be present with an infection elsewhere in the body. Seek urgent medical care if sepsis is suspected, as early treatment improves outcomes [WHO sepsis fact sheet].[2]
Signs specifically emphasized for children
- Fast or troubled breathing
- Convulsions or limpness
- Pale, cool, or clammy skin
- Lethargy, inconsolable crying, or poor feeding
- Fever or low body temperature with poor response to comfort Caregivers should consider contacting a healthcare provider promptly if a child shows any concerning signs, particularly with a known infection or fever [WHO sepsis fact sheet].[2]
Recent developments and awareness efforts
- There is ongoing focus on rapid diagnostics, biomarker use, and AI-assisted triage to identify sepsis earlier and tailor antibiotic therapy, which could help reduce progression to severe sepsis or septic shock [Pennington Slaw article on recent developments].[3]
- Public-facing campaigns continue to emphasize recognition of sepsis signs as a priority comparable to heart attack or stroke in emergency situations, aiming to reduce delays in treatment [CBS News feature on sepsis awareness].[1]
- Global guidance from WHO remains that sepsis is a medical emergency requiring immediate care, with emphasis on common signs and seeking care promptly if symptoms appear [WHO sepsis fact sheet].[2]
What to do if you’re worried you or someone else may have sepsis
- Treat as a medical emergency: call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.
- If you or the person is able, note symptoms and when they started, any recent infections, medications, or chronic conditions, and bring this information to medical staff.
- Do not delay seeking care to wait for a fever to disappear or for multiple symptoms to appear; sepsis can progress rapidly [WHO sepsis fact sheet].[2]
If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific population (e.g., adults, elderly, or children), or summarize guidance from a particular health system or country. I can also pull the very latest headlines from sepsis-focused outlets if you want a brief news digest.