Hundreds of thousands of people are affected by sepsis every year, making it a relatively common condition.

Sepsis, which tends to impact young children and older adults, is also deadly with around 50 thousand people dying from it annually.

If you're looking to know more about the condition, here are the symptoms and more.

What is sepsis and what causes it?

Mayo Clinic states that sepsis is a "serious condition" which sees the body react improperly to an infection.

The infection-fighting process turns against the body, causing organs to work poorly.

The clinic adds: "Sepsis may progress to septic shock. This is a dramatic drop in blood pressure that can damage the lungs, kidneys, liver and other organs. When the damage is severe, it can lead to death."

What are the symptoms of sepsis?

The NHS website states that the following symptoms are common in young children and adults.

Babies and young children

A baby or young child has any of these symptoms of sepsis:

  • blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
  • a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
  • difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their stomach sucking under their ribcage), breathlessness or breathing very fast
  • a weak, high-pitched cry that's not like their normal cry
  • not responding like they normally do, or not interested in feeding or normal activities
  • being sleepier than normal or difficulty to stay awake

Adults or older children

  • acting confused, slurred speech or not making sense
  • blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
  • a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
  • difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast

Those affected may not have all of these symptoms.

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What should you do if you think someone has sepsis?

If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, you should go to A&E or contact 999 right away.

If your child or someone you are looking after is feeling unwell like there is something "seriously wrong" and has the following symptoms, you should contact 111.

  • feels very unwell or like there's something seriously wrong
  • has not had a pee all day (for adults and older children) or in the last 12 hours (for babies and young children)
  • keeps vomiting and cannot keep any food or milk down (for babies and young children)
  • has swelling or pain around a cut or wound
  • has a very high or low temperature, feels hot or cold to the touch, or is shivering

Find out more about sepsis on the NHS website.