Sepsis: What is sepsis? Experts urge people to get flu shot after deadly sepsis outbreak
DOCTORS are urging people to get flue shots in a bid to avoid a killer virus. But what is sepsis?
Doctor explains how deadly Sepsis is and its symptoms
People are being warned to get immunised due to the potential effects of catching the flu.
There are fears sepsis could develop from contracting the flu, which could be deadly.
However, vaccine supples are said to be running low due to a spike in demand as the peak of the season hits.
There is reportedly an increase of 25 to 30 per cent of people trying to get the vaccine.
Therefore, supplies were being saved for people who were more at risk of becoming seriously ill.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a form of blood poisoning which occurs when the body reacts to an infection by attacking its own organs and tissues.
Symptoms are similar to the flu, gastroenteritis and a chest infection.
Some of the symptoms to look out for are:
Slurred speech or confusion
Extreme shivering or muscle pain
Passing no urine in a day
Severe breathlessness
It feels like you’re dying
Skin mottled or discoloured
Symptoms in children are:
Fast breathing
Fits or convulsions
Mottled, bluish or pale skin
Rashes that do not face when pressed
Lethargy
Feeling abnormally cold
Children under five may also vomit a lot, not feed or urinate for 12 hours.
Sepsis is most common in people who have recently had surgery, have a urinary catheter or have stayed in hospital for a long time.
People with weak immune systems, chemotherapy patients, pregnant women, the elderly and the very young are also at risk.
There are different types of treatment depending on the infection, including antibiotics IV fluids and oxygen.