Many people who experience sepsis describe a feeling that the illness suddenly became different — more severe, more overwhelming, faster-changing, or simply “not right”.
Important: Sepsis is a medical emergency. Call 999 or go to A&E if someone is seriously unwell or rapidly deteriorating. If you are unsure whether symptoms need urgent assessment, contact NHS 111 Wales or call 111.
What Is Sepsis?
Sepsis is not a specific infection. It is the body’s overwhelming and dangerous response to an infection.
The infection may begin in the lungs, urine, skin, stomach, teeth, or elsewhere in the body. In some cases, the immune system’s response becomes excessive and starts affecting organs, circulation and vital body functions.
Sepsis can develop from:
- chest infections or pneumonia
- urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- skin infections or cellulitis
- infected wounds
- dental infections
- abdominal infections
- flu or viral illnesses with complications
Why Sepsis Can Be Difficult To Spot
One reason sepsis is so dangerous is that early symptoms can resemble common illnesses such as flu, COVID, gastroenteritis or a simple infection.
People often try to push through symptoms, assuming they just need rest, fluids or another day to recover.
But sepsis can sometimes worsen very quickly.
Families frequently describe phrases like:
- “They were not themselves”
- “They suddenly became confused”
- “They were getting worse rapidly”
- “Something just felt wrong”
That instinct matters.
Sepsis Symptoms In Adults
Symptoms of sepsis can vary, but possible warning signs include:
- confusion or difficulty staying awake
- slurred speech
- extreme shivering or muscle pain
- feeling unusually breathless
- severe weakness or collapse
- blue, pale or mottled skin
- a rash that does not fade under pressure
- reduced urine output
- high or very low temperature
- rapid breathing or rapid heartbeat
Older adults may develop confusion, drowsiness or sudden weakness before other symptoms become obvious.
Sepsis Symptoms In Children
Children and babies may become seriously unwell quickly. Warning signs can include:
- difficulty waking
- floppiness
- blue lips or pale skin
- breathing very fast
- grunting noises
- fits or seizures
- a rash that does not fade
- not feeding or drinking
- unusual irritability
If a child seems seriously unwell or rapidly deteriorates, seek urgent medical help immediately.
Do Not Worry About “Wasting Time”
Many people delay getting help because they do not want to overreact or burden NHS services. Parents often worry they are “making a fuss”. Adults may try to carry on working or caring for others despite worsening symptoms.
But serious illness does not always announce itself clearly.
Sometimes the most important warning sign is simply that the illness feels unusually severe, fast-changing or out of proportion.
At The Health Dispensary, we often talk about listening to the body. Most illnesses are mild and self-limiting — but occasionally, recognising when something feels wrong can make a critical difference.
Where Does Pharmacy Fit In?
Community pharmacies are often one of the first places people seek advice when they are worried about symptoms.
Pharmacist prescribers are trained to assess illness, recognise red-flag symptoms, and advise when urgent escalation is needed. Pharmacies regularly see infections such as worsening chest infections, cellulitis, UTIs, eye and skin infections.
A pharmacist cannot diagnose or treat sepsis in the pharmacy, and suspected sepsis should always be treated urgently. However, pharmacists can help identify concerning symptoms and guide people towards the right level of care.
If symptoms are severe, worsening rapidly, or someone appears confused, difficult to wake, breathless or seriously unwell, seek urgent medical attention immediately.
Can Sepsis Be Prevented?
Not every case of sepsis can be prevented, but reducing infection risk and treating infections early can help.
Simple preventative steps include:
- keeping vaccinations up to date
- seeking advice for worsening infections
- proper wound cleaning and care
- managing long-term conditions such as diabetes
- good hydration and nutrition
- monitoring vulnerable relatives carefully during illness
Older adults, people with weakened immune systems, babies and people with chronic health conditions may be more vulnerable to severe infections and sepsis.
When To Call 111 Or 999
Call 999 or attend A&E immediately if someone:
- is difficult to wake
- seems confused or disoriented
- is struggling to breathe
- collapses
- has blue, pale or mottled skin
- has a non-blanching rash
- is rapidly deteriorating
Use NHS 111 Wales or call 111 if symptoms are worsening and you are unsure how urgently medical assessment is needed.
Need Advice About Symptoms?
Our pharmacist prescribers can help assess minor illnesses, recognise red flags and guide you towards the right next step when symptoms are concerning.
The Feel Good Living Message
Most infections do not become sepsis. Most fevers, coughs and illnesses improve with time.
But awareness matters.
If illness suddenly feels unusually severe, fast-changing, overwhelming, or simply “not right”, trust your instincts and seek help.
Sometimes that instinct is one of the most important health tools we have.
Useful references:
Written by Ali Sparkes, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist & Founder of The Health Dispensary
