Midlands Woman Underlines Value Of Fast Action For Sepsis

New data from the HSE shows nearly 40% of people don't know what symptoms to look for in sepsis.

One in five people who develop sepsis will die from it - but 39% of adults don't know what symptoms to look out for.

That's according to new research from the HSE.

It wants to raise awareness about the condition - which happens when the body has an extreme response to an infection.

Tullamore woman Aisling O Rourke's father passed away from sepsis and says you need to act fast:

The Health Service Executive say to look out for the following symptoms when it comes to sepsis.

If a child or baby:

• Has blue, pale or blotchy skin 
• Lips or tongue has a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, in the same way you check for meningitis
• Is being very sluggish, unusually sleepy and hard to wake feels unusually
• Cold to touch
• Has had no pee or wet nappies for more than 12 hours
• Is breathing very fast
• Has fits or convulsions
• Has a weak, high-pitched cry that's not like their normal cry
• Has an infection,
• Is still unwell after 24 hours or is getting worse - it may be sepsis.

If an adult:

• Is acting confused, slurring their speech, not making sense or not their usual self
• Has difficulty breathing, breathlessness or is breathing very fast
• Their lips are blue or slightly blue
• Pounding in their chest
• Has hands and feet that feel cold, clammy and look pale
• Feels dizzy, faint or loses consciousness (passes out)
• Is not peeing as much as normal - for example, not peeing for a day
• Has a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, in the same way you check for meningitis
• Has severe muscle pain
• Is complaining of severe leg pain or difficulty standing
• Has an infection, is still unwell after 24 hours or is getting worse - it may be sepsis