What is sepsis?

Sepsis is when your child’s immune system has a significant reaction to an infection. This causes inflammation throughout your child’s body. If it’s not treated early this inflammation can damage their organs and limbs.

Any type of infection can become sepsis if it’s severe. Children can get many infections as they are growing up, but it’s very rare to develop sepsis.

If sepsis becomes worse this can cause your child’s organs to start to fail. This is called septic shock.

What are the symptoms of sepsis in babies and children?

There any many different symptoms of sepsis, depending on how old your child is and how severe the infection is.

In babies, the symptoms of sepsis include:

• jaundice (yellow looking skin) or pale skin
• seizures
• fever (a temperature of 38℃ or higher)
• fatigue
• breathing faster than normal
• loss of appetite or vomiting
• refusing to settle

In children, the symptoms of sepsis are similar. You might also notice your child is:

• having difficulty breathing
• having difficulty concentrating
• confused
• in pain, without a clear reason
• restless or hard to wake up
• refusing to walk or unable to walk

Not all children will have the same symptoms of sepsis. If you are worried about your child, see your doctor.

What causes sepsis?

Any type of infection can cause sepsis, including:

• bacterial infections such as pneumonia and staphylococcus (staph)
• viral infections such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or COVID-19
• fungal infections such as candida

Sepsis is usually caused by bacteria getting into your child’s blood.

If sepsis happens to babies in their first 2 days after birth, it’s known as early onset sepsis. This usually happens if your baby catches an infection during labour or birth.

If a baby gets sepsis after they are 2 days old, this is called late onset sepsis. Late onset sepsis can be from an infection they catch:

• during birth
• while in hospital
• when they return home

Are there any risk factors for sepsis in babies and children?

Babies and children have a higher risk of sepsis than adults. Your child is at a higher risk for sepsis if they:

• are a neonate (less than 4 weeks of age)
• were born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy)
• have a medical condition that affects their immune system
• are being treated for cancer with chemotherapy or are on corticosteroids
• have an intravenous (IV) drip or a catheter
• have recently had surgery
• have previously had sepsis

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children are also at an increased risk of sepsis.

When should I seek medical help?

If your child has an infection and seems to be getting worse, seek urgent medical help. See your doctor urgently, go to your nearest hospital emergency department or call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

You should seek urgent medical help if:

• your child has any symptoms of sepsis
• your child has an infection that is not getting better
• you are worried about your child, even if they recently saw a doctor

Sepsis is an emergency. Early diagnosis and treatment of sepsis can help give your child the best chance of recovery.

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How is sepsis diagnosed?

There is no specific test to diagnose sepsis. Your doctor will:

• examine your child
• ask about your child’s symptoms
• ask about any recent infections
• take some blood tests and a urine (wee) sample

Your doctor may refer your child for further tests, such as an x-ray.

A doctor or nurse will also take your child’s temperature. Children with sepsis may have a fever or a colder body temperature than normal.

How is sepsis treated?

There are many different ways to treat sepsis:

• If your doctor thinks your child may have sepsis, your child will be given antibiotics straight away. Doctors do not need to wait for test results to start antibiotic treatment.
• Fluids may be given through an intravenous cannula (IV) to help support your child’s blood flow.
• Your child may be given oxygen to help them breathe, and to make sure their organs get enough oxygen.
• If needed, medicine may be used to help your child’s heart pump blood more effectively.

Your child will need to have an intravenous cannula (IV) for medicines and fluids. For some children, putting in an intravenous cannula can be difficult. In an emergency, doctors may put in an intraosseous line (a device inserted through the skin into the bone) instead.

If your child is very sick, they may need to be in a paediatric intensive care unit (ICU) or a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

What are the complications of sepsis in babies and children?

Sepsis in babies and children can cause complications, such as:

• difficulty with thinking and memory
• muscle pain and weakness
• damage to organs such as their liver, heart or lungs
• amputation (having a limb removed)

Can sepsis be prevented?

There are ways to help prevent your child from developing sepsis, such as:

• keeping your child up to date with their vaccines
• washing your hands and your child’s hands often
• seeing a doctor immediately if you think your child has an infection

Resources and support

Read more on sepsis in babies and children:

• If you think your child might have sepsis, Queensland Health has a helpful checklist of symptoms to look for.
• Queensland Health also has sepsis information and support for families.
• The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has an information sheet for families and carers of children with sepsis.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.