Sepsis Research FEAT urges vigilance against sepsis this winter
Expert doctor highlights the importance of early recognition and rapid action to combat sepsis during winter illness season.
Sepsis Research FEAT warns the UK public to remain vigilant about the potential risks of sepsis, a life-threatening condition that can arise from any infection. With coughs, colds, and flu more common during colder months, understanding the signs of sepsis is critical to saving lives.
Dr Andrew Conway Morris, Intensive Care Physician and Medical Director at Sepsis Research FEAT, highlights the importance of awareness:
“As coughs, colds, and flu become more common with colder weather and social gatherings, remember that any infection can lead to sepsis. Wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of germs. If you’ve had an infection, your immune system may be altered, increasing your risk of sepsis. Whilst most winter infections will resolve by themselves, you should trust your instincts—if you feel very unwell and your symptoms are progressing quickly, seek medical help immediately.”
While the percentage of winter infections progressing to sepsis is relatively low, the overall number remains significant. It is estimated that 1-2% of all flu cases result in severe complications like pneumonia or organ failure. Whilst anyone is potentially at risk from sepsis, higher-risk groups include Immunocompromised individuals (e.g., post-chemotherapy or organ transplant recipients), those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease and the very young and elderly.
Winter viruses like RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus), human metapneumovirus, and norovirus are prevalent and can severely impact vulnerable groups and the wider public alike. Additionally, bacterial respiratory infections spike during the colder months, compounding healthcare pressures.
Sepsis Research FEAT shares the heart-rending story of Alice Mai Rose Byrne, a baby who tragically lost her life to sepsis in the winter of 2023/24 after an invasive Group A streptococcal infection. Alice’s mother, Laura Weaver, said:
“Alice’s symptoms were dismissed as minor infections. Her sepsis was never diagnosed or treated in time. I want other parents to know that a baby having a cold can lead to RSV, bronchopneumonia, and sepsis. A mother’s instinct is key—if you’re not happy with the care your child is receiving, speak up.”
Despite his high levels of personal fitness, Bernard Crossley, an Aberdeenshire cyclist and sepsis survivor, became seriously ill with sepsis as a result of a common cold which developed into a chest infection and pneumonia in January 2020. He credits his fitness and timely medical intervention for saving his life. Bernard says,
“Sepsis drained me completely, but with determination and support, I’ve rebuilt my strength. Sharing my story helps others recognise the importance of acting quickly and taking recovery seriously.”
Sepsis is a deadly illness that can kill in a matter of hours so it’s vital that people act quickly when they spot the signs. If you suspect sepsis, it is important thing to trust your instincts and act fast to seek urgent medical attention as this can improve chances of survival.
Five of the key sepsis symptoms to look out for are:
- A high or low temperature
- Uncontrolled shivering
- Confusion
- Passing little urine
- Blotchy or cold arms and legs
Sepsis Research FEAT advises anyone discharged from care after an initial consultation to ask ‘safety netting’ questions:
- What symptoms should I look out for?
- When should I seek medical help again if symptoms worsen?
Early recognition and swift action can save lives.
Sepsis Research FEAT is a leading UK charity dedicated to saving lives and improving outcomes for sepsis patients through funding research and raising awareness. The charity works tirelessly to educate the public about sepsis and its symptoms while supporting groundbreaking research to advance treatments.
To read more, please go to their website: https://sepsisresearch.org.uk/sepsis-awareness/
About Sepsis Research FEAT
Sepsis Research FEAT, the UK’s only sepsis research and awareness charity, is dedicated to combating the devastating effects of sepsis.
Sepsis Research FEAT traces its origins to the tragic events of August 2012 when Dr Fiona Elizabeth Agnew, a beloved Falkirk-based GP, and her unborn daughter Isla lost their lives to sepsis. The charity was founded in 2013 as FEAT, the Fiona Elizabeth Agnew Trust, by Fiona’s husband Craig Stobo. It emerged from Craig’s profound grief and his determination to honour Fiona’s memory by spearheading sepsis research and awareness-raising in order to prevent other similar tragedies.
Fiona’s passion for medicine began in childhood, leading to a career as a respected general practitioner. Alongside Craig she embraced parenthood, welcoming their first child in 2010 and eagerly anticipating the arrival of their second in September 2012.
The devastating turn of events unfolded swiftly. On the evening of Friday August 24th 2012 Fiona was admitted to the hospital after suddenly falling ill. Despite a reassuring antenatal scan the previous day she was diagnosed with an infection and subsequently sepsis. Tragically, baby Isla was stillborn at 5:10 am on Saturday August 25th while Fiona’s condition rapidly deteriorated.
Despite the tireless efforts of medical staff, Fiona succumbed to multiple organ failure caused by sepsis at 1:50 am on Sunday August 26th 2012. Her deterioration was swift and unexpected, underscoring the urgency of addressing sepsis awareness and research.
In the aftermath of this profound loss, Craig made a pledge to fund research and raise awareness of sepsis, driven by the conviction that no other family should endure a similar tragedy. Thus Sepsis Research FEAT was born, dedicated to saving lives and improving outcomes through research and education.
Sepsis arises when the body’s extreme response to infection escalates rapidly leading to severe damage to its own tissues and organs. This potentially life-threatening condition affects people of all ages and can progress swiftly, claiming millions of lives globally each year.
Key Statistics on Sepsis
- In 2017, there were approximately 48.9 million sepsis cases worldwide, resulting in 11 million deaths, accounting for nearly a fifth of all global fatalities. *
- Roughly one in five patients diagnosed with sepsis will succumb to the illness, with the mortality rate increasing to one in three for critically unwell patients with low blood pressure (“shock”).
- In the UK, around 50,000 people die from sepsis annually, equating to over 5 deaths every hour.
- 77.5% of sepsis-related deaths in England occur in patients aged 75 years or older.
- Circa 250k cases in the UK every year – or roughly one every 12 minutes
- Sepsis takes more lived in the UK every year than breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined
- Around half of those who survive sepsis will go on to experience life-changing consequences – from PTSD to amputations
*Kristine E Rudd et al, Jan 2020, “Global, regional and national sepsis incidence and mortality, 1990-2017: analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study”, The Lancet, Volume 395, Issue 10219, P200-211
