Know the danger signs...

Sepsis has a variety of symptoms in its early stages but it is vital that these be spotted and action taken urgently because immediate recognition saves lives.

The initial symptoms to look out for can include a high temperature (fever) or low body temperature, chills and shivering, a fast heartbeat or fast breathing.

In some cases, more severe symptoms develop soon after. These can include feeling dizzy or faint, confusion or disorientation, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, slurred speech and severe muscle pain.

The condition can also cause patients to suffer from severe breathlessness, to produce less urine than normal and have cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin. Victims can also become unconscious.

If you have more than one of those symptoms, seek immediate attention because the condition is a medical emergency.