Sepsis in Kids: Symptoms To Look Out For!

Sepsis – Be Aware, Be Prepared

Sepsis is a condition that public awareness of is, thankfully, improving! However, there are still parents out there who aren’t aware of the signs…

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is the rare but extremely dangerous reaction to an infection be it a known or underlying infection.

What are the symptoms in kids under the age of 5?

The NHS website states the following;

“Go straight to A&E or call 999 if your child under 5 has any of these symptoms:

looks mottled, bluish or pale
is very lethargic or difficult to wake
feels abnormally cold to touch
is breathing very fast
has a rash that does not fade when you press it
has a fit or convulsion

Get medical advice urgently from NHS 111

If your child has any of the symptoms listed below, is getting worse or is sicker than you’d expect (even if their temperature falls), trust your instincts and seek medical advice urgently from NHS 111.

Temperature

temperature over 38C in babies under three months
temperature over 39C in babies aged three to six months
any high temperature in a child who cannot be encouraged to show interest in anything
low temperature (below 36C – check three times in a 10-minute period)

Breathing

finding it much harder to breathe than normal – looks like hard work
making “grunting” noises with every breath
can’t say more than a few words at once (for older children who normally talk)
breathing that obviously “pauses”

Toilet/nappies

not had a wee or wet nappy for 12 hours

Eating and drinking

new baby under one month old with no interest in feeding
not drinking for more than eight hours (when awake)
bile-stained (green), bloody or black vomit/sick

Activity and body

soft spot on a baby’s head is bulging
eyes look “sunken”
child cannot be encouraged to show interest in anything
baby is floppy
weak, “whining” or continuous crying in a younger child
older child who’s confused
not responding or very irritable
stiff neck, especially when trying to look up and down

If your child has any of these symptoms, is getting worse or is sicker than you’d expect (even if their temperature falls), trust your instincts and seek medical advice urgently from NHS 111. “

Credit: NHS website