Easy Read – information leaflet – signs of sepsis and what to do
Symptoms of sepsis
Sepsis usually develops quickly over a few hours. If it’s not treated it can turn into septic shock, which you can die from.
Symptoms of sepsis in babies and children
Symptoms of sepsis in babies and children include:
- difficulty breathing or breathing very fast
- having a fit (seizure)
- a high or low temperature – feeling very hot or cold when you touch them
- blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on black or brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- a rash that does not fade when you press it – this type of rash is rare in sepsis, but it may be a symptom of meningitis
- being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake
- not peeing in the last 12 hours (for babies and children under 5 years), or not peeing all day (for children 5 years and over) – you can check a baby’s nappy to see if it’s dry
Babies and children under 5 years may also not be interested in feeding or they may keep being sick (vomiting).
Symptoms of sepsis in adults
Common symptoms of sepsis in adults include:
- confusion or slurred speech
- uncontrollable shivering
- muscle pain
- difficulty breathing
- blue, pale, grey or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on black or brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- a high or low temperature – a high temperature is less common in older adults
- not peeing all day or peeing very little in the past 18 hours
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When and where to get medical help
You need to get medical help immediately if you think you or your child might have sepsis.
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
A baby or child under 5 years:
- is breathing very fast or having difficulty breathing – they may make grunting noises or their tummy may be sucking under their ribcage when they breathe
- has blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- has a rash that does not fade when you press it
- has a very high temperature – 38C or more in babies under 3 months old, or 39C or more in babies 3 to 6 months old
- has a very low temperature – less than 36C, or feels cold to the touch or is shivery
- has a weak, high-pitched or continuous cry
- is not responding like they normally do, is not feeding, is difficult to wake or is more sleepy than usual
- has not had a pee for the last 12 hours
- has symptoms you’re worried might be sepsis
An adult or child aged 5 years or over:
- is breathing very fast
- is confused, has slurred speech, or is not making sense
- has blue, pale or blotchy skin – on black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- has a very high or very low temperature, feels hot or cold to the touch, or is shivery
- has a rash that does not fade when you press it
- has symptoms you’re worried might be sepsis
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
For more information about Sepsis visit the NHS website.
Page last reviewed: 31/07/2026