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DownloadYou have been seen in the Emergency Department and are being treated for a suspected severe infection or sepsis, or because we feel you may be at risk of developing sepsis.
This leaflet describes the signs and symptoms of sepsis and how we treat it.
Sepsis is a rare but serious reaction to an infection. If you develop sepsis you can become severely ill.
Sepsis needs to be treated urgently because it can quickly get worse and lead to septic shock. Septic shock is very serious, as it can cause organ failure and death. You will need to be admitted to hospital for observation, tests, fluids and antibiotics.
There are a number of physical as well as psychological and emotional factors that can affect the recovery time after suffering from sepsis, known as Post Sepsis Syndrome.
Further information is available at
Anyone who has an infection can develop sepsis; however those most at risk include
The symptoms are varied but include
Your healthcare team will
If you develop sepsis you can become severely ill. You will need to be admitted to hospital and may need to be admitted to an intensive care unit for closer monitoring. The length of time you spend in hospital will depend on many factors including how severe the infection is and how unwell you were before coming to hospital.
For general medical advice please use the NHS website, the NHS 111 service, walk-in-centres or your GP.
The NHS website provides online health information and guidance at www.nhs.uk.
NHS 111 phone line offers medical help and advice from trained advisers supported by nurses and paramedics. Available 24 hours a day. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.
There are walk-in and urgent treatment services at Brighton Station, in Crawley and at Lewes Victoria Hospital. www.bsuh.nhs.uk/services/ae/.
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can be contacted with your comments and concerns, and to provide general support. Email PALS@bsuh.nhs.uk.
RSCH, telephone 01273 664683.
PRH, telephone 01444 448678.
PALS, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Road, Brighton BN2 5BE
This information is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.
This article is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath.
Review Date: April 2023