New research today claims that sepsis is now the most deadly condition in the world, killing 11 million people a year – more than even cancer. In the year studied, 2017, sepsis was responsible for almost a fifth of all deaths.
A study by researchers at the University of Washington said the ‘alarming figures’ suggested the death toll was double previous estimates, now they’ve taken data from low-income countries and deaths that happen outside hospital. It means there were 48.9million cases per year of the condition.
In the UK it’s now believed sepsis killed 47,860 people in 2017 (previously only 15,851 deaths were estimated).
Sarah Batters had sepsis just days after giving birth - a point at which many women are particularly vulnerable - and says more people need to be aware of the symptoms so they can act quickly.
‘I actually had sepsis twice in a few months,' she said. 'The first time was five days after birth and I was feeling worse every day rather than better. Suddenly my temperature shot up, so on my husband’s advice (I was reluctant). I called triage who called me straight in and I was admitted for three nights while they tried different antibiotics to stop it.
Left to my own devices I might not have called the doctor and it could have been too late.
‘The hospital only told me I had had sepsis on departure - I don’t know if I would have rather known during, but it would have probably scared me. We have an amazing hospital who tended to me very quickly and I’m so glad my husband told me to call. Left to my own devices I might not have and could have been too late.
‘Even though I was warned it could happen again, the second time also took me by surprise. After a sore throat I developed flu symptoms worse than I ever had in my whole life and remember looking at my Fitbit in the kitchen and that my heart rate was over 150 stationary. I now know that is a big sign of sepsis but didn’t then.
‘I called the doctor to ask if I could still breastfeed with flu and she told me to come in. One look at my heart rate and she sent me to hospital where I was immediately put on oxygen and antibiotics - it turned out I had laryngitis that kicked it off as my immune system was shot from round one.
‘Now when I am sick I get a bit paranoid about my heart rate but think it’s great I can monitor it easily on a watch.
‘The main thing I learned and would want others to know are that the symptoms of sepsis are not obvious and are similar to flu and fever. But if you have a high temperature or heart rate, then don’t hesitate to get advice from a doctor - I think I’ve been saved twice for getting intervention quickly, even though I didn’t think both times it was anything.
‘In hospitals, ask questions and be honest about your symptoms. I’m now a bit paranoid about my health after this experience and take proactive steps to boost my immune system so my body can fight infections now.’
So, what do you need to know? All information below is taken from the UK Sepsis Trust and the NHS website.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection – it happens when your immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to damage your tissues and organs. If not treated immediately, sepsis can result in organ failure and death – but with an early diagnosis it can be treated with antibiotics.
What are the symptoms of sepsis?
Symptoms of sepsis can look like flu, gastroenteritis or a chest infection – there isn’t just one sign and they can look different in adults and children.
The NHS advises that you ‘trust your instincts’ and call 999 or go to A&E if you, or someone you look after, has the symptoms of sepsis.
You should call 999 or got to A&E if a baby or child has any of these symptoms (they may not have all these symptoms):
You should call 999 or go to A&E if an adult or older child has any of these symptoms of sepsis (they may not have all these symptoms):
You should also call 111 if you, or someone you’re looking after:
Is sepsis in children more likely?
The NHS says sepsis can be especially hard to spot in babies and young children, people with dementia, people with a learning difficulty and people who have difficulty communicating. Those who are at greater risk of getting sepsis include people with diabetes and those who are pregnant or have just given birth.
Is sepsis contagious?
No, you cannot catch sepsis from another person.