Everyone should be aware of the dangers of sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection, say critical care experts.

Sepsis occurs when the body over-reacts to an infection. It often follows trauma, surgery or is associated with cancer - but it can strike anyone. In fact sepsis claims more lives than breast, colorectal, pancreatic and prostate cancer together, and is the leading cause of death in intensive care.

Dr Jean-Louis Vincent, a critical care expert at the University of Brussels, Belgium, thinks everyone should be more aware of the possibility of sepsis. Symptoms include fever and shaking chills, reduced mental alertness - maybe with confusion - nausea and vomiting. Be concerned if an infection does not clear up within a few days, or seems to be getting worse. Sepsis can take hold very rapidly, so prompt medical attention is essential.

Source

Society of Critical Care Medicine Annual Meeting 28th June 2002