JUST ASK, COULD IT BE SEPSIS?

Sepsis is a life-threatening response to any infection that progresses quickly and requires immediate attention. Know the signs and symptoms (one or all of the following may be present).

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SEPSIS

Rapid breathing

Rapid heart rate

Confusion, slurred speech or disorientation

Fever or shivering

Muscle pain

Not passing urine

Discoloured skin

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO!

Early-stage sepsis:

Sufferers are generally unwell, may display one or all of the signs and symptoms, feel worse than when previously sick and there is concern
Contact healthdirect at https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ OR Call 1800 022 222 (24 hours) and ask…could it be sepsis?

Later stage sepsis:

Sufferers are seriously unwell, likely to display significant changes in multiple signs and symptoms, feel like they might die and there is serious concern
CALL 000 Ambulance or if quicker go immediately to the closest Emergency Department and ask….could it be sepsis?

Key considerations:

If concerned get advice immediately
If seriously concerned get treatment immediately
Inflammation due to infection is normal but in sepsis the inflammation response is uncontrolled, it may start mildly but rapidly escalate to critical illness
Sepsis is difficult to recognise as it may not have an obvious cause, it can look like viral or bacterial illnesses such as flu, gastro or urinary tract infection
Trust your intuition…if it doesn’t feel right TAKE ACTION and always ask…could it be sepsis?

symptom checker Call 000

Research

sepsis research

Sepsis research is a dynamic field aiming to improve outcomes for survivors and their loved ones. Priorities include

1. Diagnostic tools and biomarkers involving genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches to improve detection before symptoms become severe

2. Underlying mechanisms of sepsis, including immune system dysregulation, endothelial dysfunction, and organ damage

3. Tailored treatments to individual patient characteristics, such as genetic profiles, health conditions, and sepsis subtypes

4. Optimising antibiotics, fluid management, immunomodulatory agents, and supportive care

5. Updating clinical guidelines with new evidence

6. Understanding physical, cognitive, and psychological impacts to inform rehabilitation and support

7. Improving public awareness and health worker education

8. Addressing disparities in sepsis outcomes across different populations

9. Refining data management and coding practices to accurately identify the magnitude of sepsis

ReSEARCH Projects