HSE encourages everybody to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of sepsis

Ahead of World Sepsis Day (Saturday, 13 September), the HSE is encouraging everyone to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of sepsis. Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening complication that can hide behind any infection. It can affect anyone of any age and can lead to rapid deterioration in health. Sepsis is treatable if it is identified and treated early. Without quick treatment, sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure and death.

Michael O’ Dwyer, Clinical Lead, HSE Sepsis Programme, says:

“Sepsis can be hard to spot, which is why we ask everybody to make themselves aware of the signs and symptoms. Timely intervention can save lives. If you suspect you or someone you know has sepsis, seek urgent medical care and always ask, ‘Could it be Sepsis?’

Improving treatment of sepsis is a key priority of the HSE Sepsis Programme. This is reflected in the recent update to sepsis clinical guidelines in Ireland. The changes are key in keeping Ireland in step with best international practice when it comes to treating sepsis"

Research has found that symptoms of sepsis are easy to dismiss, miss or mistake for something else. If sepsis is suspected, seek urgent medical care and always ask, ’Could it be Sepsis?’

Signs and symptoms of sepsis

Signs and symptoms of sepsis in adults (including maternity) are:

• S - slurred speech, new confusion, too sick to communicate, drowsiness
• E - extreme shivering, muscle aches, fever
• P - has not passed urine in the last 12 hours and does not feel like passing urine
• S - shortness of breath, lips tinged with blue, feels like your heart is racing, dizzy when you sit or stand
• I - I feel like I'm going to die
• S - skin mottled and discoloured, new rash that is still visible when pressed on with a clear glass (glass test)

The signs and symptoms of sepsis in children are:

• very fast breathing
• fits or convulsions
• mottled skin (irregular colour), bluish or pale
• a rash that does not fade when you press it
• unusually cold when you touch them wake
• Unusually cold when you touch them
• has had no pee for more than 12 hours

Recent developments

Earlier this month, the National Sepsis Programme and the National Clinical Effective Committee (NCEC) updated its National Clinical Guideline No.26 on sepsis management for adults (including maternity).

In addition to these updates, a comprehensive training and education programme will be delivered to all hospitals by the end of 2025. To align with the changes to the guidelines, the HSELand sepsis training has been updated. This training is mandatory for all clinical staff in acute hospitals.

A mandatory training programme for clinical staff in non-acute settings, such as community and primary care, is currently being developed and will be available in 2025.