For information on Covid-19, see this page.
Advice for Parents and Carers
For information on Covid-19, see this page.
If your child has any of the following:
Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999
If your child has any of the following:
Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111
Using the advice below you can provide the care your child needs at home
What do I do if I am worried my child has sepsis?
Remember most children with fevers or who are unwell, don’t have sepsis
Tests
There is no one test to see if your child has sepsis. The tests to look for the infection will vary depending on their age, symptoms and medical history. They can include blood tests, urine tests, chest X-rays and occasionally lumbar puncture (needle in the back to collect spinal fluid)
Your healthcare team should talk to you about any tests or procedures they would like to do, what will happen and what they are for
Remember
If you're worried that your child or baby is not getting better, still seems unwell or is not themselves, you should talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional. It is important to ask for advice if you're worried, even if you have already seen a doctor, are still having treatment, or are back home. This is because the problems caused by sepsis can come on very quickly, and you may need more (or different) treatment. You should always feel that you can ask questions at any point in your care.
Symptoms of sepsis - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Sepsis: what to look out for and what care you should expect (nice.org.uk)
Most children with a fever do get better very quickly but some children can get worse. You need to regularly check your child during the day and also through the night and follow the advice given below.
Do the ‘glass test’ if your child has a rash. Press a glass tumbler firmly against the rash. If you can see the spots through the glass and they do not fade as you press the glass onto the skin then this is called a ‘non-blanching rash’. If you see this type of rash, whilst this doesn't mean your child is seriously unwell, please seek medical advice immediately. The rash is harder to see on dark skin so check paler areas, such as palms of the hands, soles of the feet and tummy.
(Photo courtesy of the Meningitis Research Foundation 2013)