Sepsis: What are the warning signs and how to avoid the deadly reaction

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. According to nhs.uk there are some groups who are more likely to get an infection which could lead to sepsis, including babies under one, particularly if they were born prematurely; over-75s; people with dementia; people with a weakened immune system; people with a genetic disorder that affects their immune system; people who have recently had surgery or a serious illness; and women who have just given birth, had a miscarriage or an abortion. In the 245,000 people are affected by sepsis every year in the UK – including around 2,000 children. open image in gallery Sepsis is a life-threatening condition Symptoms to look out for in children under five also include not feeding; repeated vomiting; and not passing urine for at least 12 hours. Experts recommend that people with these signs and symptoms should seek help urgently and ask medics: “Could it be sepsis?” How to avoid sepsis People with sepsis need prompt hospital care because it can get worse very quickly.