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Sepsis in children

Sepsis in children is more common in those under one year of age but older children can still be at risk. Children with Pneumonia, urinary tract infections, Meningitis and severe skin infections can rapidly deteriorate and develop Sepsis.

A child under five may have Sepsis if they:

  • Aren’t eating.
  • Are vomiting repeatedly.
  • Have not passed urine for 12 hours.

As children get older, their exposure to illness can increase as they attend nursery, go to school and participate in other activities.

Initial symptoms of Sepsis in children may include:

  • A fever.
  • A cough or sore throat.
  •  Vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.

These may then develop into:

  • Shivering, a high fever or feeling very cold.
  • Extreme pain or discomfort.
  • Clammy or sweaty skin.
  • Confusion or disorientation.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • A high heart rate.
  • A rash that doesn’t fade when you roll a glass over it.
  • Passing little or no urine.
  • General illness or a previous injury.

” Seek urgent medical attention if a child has any of the above symptoms. “