Sepsis

🔴 Red (high risk)

• A temperature less than 36C or temperature 38C or more if baby is less than 3 months.
• Breathing very fast or breathing that stops or pauses.
• Working hard to breathe, drawing in of the muscles below the ribs, unable to talk or noisy breathing (grunting).
• Becomes pale, blue, mottled and/or unusually cold to touch.
• Difficult to wake up, very sleepy or confused.
• Weak, high-pitched, continuous cry or extremely agitated.
• Has a fit (seizure).
• Develops a rash that does not disappear with pressure and seems unwell (see the 'glass test').
• Advice that the child needs urgent help:
• Go to the nearest Hospital emergency department or phone 999.

🟠 Amber (moderate risk)

If a child has any of the following symptoms the parent or carer needs to contact a doctor or nurse today:

• a temperature 39C or above in babies 3 to 6 months
• temperature of 38C or above for more than 5 days or shivering with fever (rigors)
• breathing a bit faster than normal or working a bit harder to breathe
• dry skin, lips, tongue or looking pale
• not had a wee or wet nappy in last 12 hours
• sleepy or not responding normally
• crying and unsettled
• poor feeding (babies) or not drinking (children)
• getting worse or you are worried about them please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111

🟢 Green (low risk)

If the child has none of symptoms outlined in Red or Amber the parent should:

• watch the child closely for any change and look out for any red or amber symptoms
• self care
• continue providing the child’s care at home
• call NHS 111 if still concerned