Health Minister Ryan Park said sepsis was very serious and it was important to act quickly.
“Sepsis can affect anyone and I want people to seek help without delay if they, or their loved one, is very unwell, even if they have recently been seen by a doctor,” Mr Park said.
“In Australia at least 55,000 people develop sepsis each year and more than 8,000 of them die from sepsis-related complications.
“That’s why it’s important people aren’t afraid and are empowered, to ask, ‘Could it be sepsis?’ because early treatment can be lifesaving.”
Sepsis can be caused by any type of infection, including bacterial, viral and fungal, and those infections can be anywhere in the body.
Paediatric specialist Dr Matthew O’Meara said sepsis could be caused by any type of infection and anywhere on the body.
“Symptoms to look out for in young children that may indicate severe illness, include being quieter or sleepier than normal or difficult to wake, irritability, high-pitched crying, refusal to eat, fewer wet nappies, cold or mottled limbs and difficulty breathing,” he said.
If you are concerned about your or your child’s health, call your GP, Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or 000.
Act fast vital if fear sepsis
A NEW campaign is encouraging people to ask frontline healthcare workers, ‘Could it be sepsis?’ if they or a loved one are showing signs of the potentially deadly condition which occurs when the body has an extreme response to an infection.
