Sepsis Awareness: Recognising the Signs Could Save a Life

When someone you love gets sick, it helps to know what to look for. Sepsis is a medical emergency. Spotting the signs early could save a life.

September is Sepsis Awareness Month. At HCA, we want older Australians, families and carers to know the signs of sepsis and feel ready to get help when something is not right. Sepsis Australia

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a very serious illness. It happens when the body’s response to an infection starts to harm its own tissues and organs.

It can begin with infections such as pneumonia, a urinary tract infection or an infected wound.

Not every infection leads to sepsis. But when sepsis does start, it can get worse fast and needs urgent hospital care. Healthdirect Australia

Why sepsis awareness matters for older adults

People aged 65 and over have a higher risk of sepsis. So do people with weak immune systems, long-term conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease, or a recent hospital stay.

For families and carers, it is important to notice changes in a person’s usual behaviour or health. Sudden confusion, unusual sleepiness or a fast decline can be signs of sepsis. Healthdirect Australia

Sepsis symptoms in older adults: know the warning signs

Call Triple Zero (000) or go straight to a hospital emergency department if someone has serious symptoms such as:

• Trouble breathing or very fast breathing.
• New confusion.
• Feeling very unwell or getting worse fast.
• Not passing urine all day.
• Blue, grey, very pale or blotchy skin.
• A new painful rash or a rash that does not fade when pressed.

They do not need to have every symptom. Do not wait for more signs before getting help.

Other possible sepsis symptoms include fever or a low temperature, shivering, a fast heart rate, muscle aches and unusual sleepiness. If you think it may be sepsis, get emergency help at once and ask, “Could it be sepsis?” Do not wait for a routine visit or the next home care appointment. Healthdirect Australia

Lowering the risk of infection at home

Preventing and treating infections can help lower the risk of sepsis. Simple daily steps include:

• Wash your hands often.
• Keep cuts and wounds clean and covered.
• Stay up to date with recommended vaccines.
• Follow medical advice for long-term health conditions.

For infection concerns that are not an emergency, contact your GP or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. If an infection gets worse even with treatment, get another medical review quickly.

Start a conversation that could help save a life

This Sepsis Awareness Month, take a moment to talk about the warning signs with the people involved in your loved one’s care. Knowing what to look for can help everyone speak up and act quickly.

You do not need to diagnose sepsis yourself. It is enough to notice that something is wrong and get urgent medical help.

Find the right home care support with HCA

If you are looking for care for yourself or a loved one, HCA can help you understand your home care options. Talk with our team about your needs, your preferences and your daily routine so you can take the next step with confidence.

Contact your local HCA team today to discuss care at home.

Suspect sepsis? Call 000 or go straight to an emergency department. Do not wait for a reply to a home care enquiry.

FAQ’s

Question: Why is sepsis a medical emergency?

Answer: Sepsis can get worse fast. It can also cause the body’s response to an infection to harm its own tissues and organs. Because it can be life-threatening, anyone with serious warning signs should call Triple Zero (000) or go straight to a hospital emergency department.

Question: Do all sepsis symptoms need to be present before seeking help?

Answer: No. A person does not need every symptom of sepsis. If someone is very unwell, getting worse fast, newly confused, having trouble breathing, not passing urine, or showing other serious warning signs, do not wait for more symptoms before getting urgent medical help.

Question: Why are older adults at higher risk of sepsis?

Answer: People aged 65 and over are more likely to get sepsis, especially if they have a weak immune system, long-term health conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease, or a recent hospital stay. Families and carers should watch for sudden changes in behaviour, alertness or general health.

Question: What should I do if I think it may be sepsis but I am not sure?

Answer: You do not need to diagnose sepsis yourself. If you think it may be sepsis, get emergency help at once and ask, “Could it be sepsis?” Do not wait for a routine appointment, a home care visit or a reply to a home care enquiry.

Question: How can infection risk be lowered at home?

Answer: Simple daily steps can help lower infection risk, including regular handwashing, keeping cuts and wounds clean and covered, staying up to date with recommended vaccines, and following medical advice for long-term health conditions. If an infection gets worse despite treatment, get another medical review quickly.