Experts fear not enough Scots know about risks
Experts yesterday said Scots need to be more aware of potentially-fatal sepsis.
People who are already ill are often most at risk from the infection carried by blood.
When trying to fight an infection, the body can have an overwhelming reaction and reduce blood supply to vital organs, causing tissue damage, organ failure and death, if it is not treated quickly.
Ron Daniels, the chief executive of the UK Sepsis Trust, said: “Sepsis claims an almost unbelievable six million lives each year worldwide.
“It claims more lives than breast, bowel and prostate cancer, but until recently, few had heard of it.”
Melissa Mead, national projector co-ordinator at the UK Sepsis Trust, said there was still “much work to be done on raising awareness” of the condition.
She said: “Not knowing the signs and symptoms could mean the difference between life and death.”
Sepsis can be developed by anyone fighting an infection, but those who have undergone surgery or have cuts and wounds can be more at risk.
Any cut, scrape or break in the skin can allow bacteria to enter the body, which can lead to sepsis, which is why all cuts and grazes should be thoroughly cleaned and hands should be washed.
The public should look out for symptoms including shivering, being in extreme pain and having pale or blue-ish skin.
People with sepsis may be difficult to wake up, sleepy or confused, may say, “I feel like I might die”, and might breathe quickly or be short of breath.
Children may have fits or convulsions, while babies may lose interest in feeding for more than eight hours, and the soft spot on their head may be bulging.
If a person has a combination of symptoms, experts advise they go to a hospital or phone 999.