Sepsis
- Sepsis is when your body has an extreme response to an infection.
- You don’t need to have all the symptoms to have sepsis – any severe signs should be treated as urgent.
- If symptoms quickly get worse and you think you have sepsis, seek urgent medical help.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body's extreme response to an infection. It can lead to septic shock, organ failure, and sometimes death.
It’s important to know the signs and symptoms and get urgent medical help if your condition quickly gets worse. Treatment works best when started as soon as possible.
What are the signs and symptoms of sepsis?
Sepsis can progress quickly. Signs can vary from person to person. You don’t need to have every symptom listed to have sepsis.
In adults, symptoms can include:
- fast breathing
- fever
- confusion
- severe pain
- discoloured skin
- drowsiness.
In children, symptoms can include the above, as well as:
- pauses in breathing
- a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed
- not needing to urinate (wee) all day – or fewer wet nappies than usual
- floppy limbs or restlessness
- convulsions or seizures.
For more on sepsis in children, visit the Perth Children’s Hospital website (external site).
What should I do if I have symptoms?
If you have symptoms that are quickly getting worse, seek urgent medical help. If you are unsure, use the healthdirect symptom checker (external site) to help you work out what to do.
If your symptoms are severe or progressing quickly, call Triple Zero (000) or go to a hospital emergency department immediately.
If you’re unsure, call a doctor or healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (24-hour service).
If you’ve already had medical help but aren’t getting better, go back to the doctor or hospital emergency department, or call Triple Zero (000).
If you’re already in hospital, tell a doctor or nurse that you are worried. It’s important to ask, ‘could it be sepsis?’ You can tell staff that you want to escalate your care. Most hospitals also have a phone number you can call if you are concerned for your wellbeing.
Aishwarya’s CARE Call is a process that ensures your concerns are heard. Each hospital has its own CARE Call number, which connects you to a senior staff member who will listen to your worries and act on them.
How is sepsis treated?
Sepsis needs urgent medical treatment in hospital. Treatment works best when started early.
Doctors and nurses will assess your symptoms, check your medical history, and run tests to diagnose and treat you. Treatment may include:
- medicines such as antibiotics
- fluids through a drip (needle in your arm)
- breathing support
- surgery (if needed).
Sepsis resources
Last reviewed: 18-02-2026