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Sepsis is life threatening. It can be hard to spot.


Sepsis can be hard to spot. There are lots of possible symptoms.

Symptoms can be vague. They can be like symptoms of other conditions, including flu or a chest infection.

  • babies and young children
  • people with dementia
  • people with a learning disability
  • people who have difficulty communicating

Further information on sepsis for people with a learning disability and their carers:

Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection.


You cannot catch sepsis from another person.

Sepsis is sometimes called septicaemia or blood poisoning.