Signes d'alerte de la septicémie que vous devez connaître

Septicaemia, sometimes known as blood poisoning, happens when an infection spreads through your bloodstream. Septicémie is an infection affecting the whole body, and strictly speaking refers to the way your body responds to this infection.

According to the UK Sepsis Trust, around 1 in almost 300 people develop sepsis in the UK every year. It's more likely if your immune system isn't as strong as it should be. This means children, whose immune system is still developing, and over-75s - your système immunitaire wanes with age - are most vulnerable. Your chances are also raised if you're on steroids or cancer treatment, have a medical condition such as blood cancer, have had surgery or drink a lot of alcohol, have a long-term catheter, or have diabetes.

Early diagnosis saves lives

If a doctor suspects sepsis, you'll be admitted to hospital immediately. Treatment depends partly on the cause - for instance, bacterial infections will be treated with antibiotiques given through a drip into your bloodstream, and you may need surgery to remove collections of pus which have built up.

In the meantime, you'll have supportive treatment to help your body keep going:

• Fluid through a drip.

• Oxygen through a mask.

• Possible admission to an intensive care unit for breathing and other support.

A condition called post-sepsis syndrome can leave you feeling tired, weak and short of breath. You may be off your food, prone to frequent infections and suffer from joint and chest pains. In addition, sepsis can take its toll mentally, leaving you depressed and anxious.

That means you'll need support and understanding from your loved ones. Don't expect to bounce back to health - instead take things gently, increasing your levels of activity very slowly. If you're struggling with day-to-day activities such as shopping, cooking or cleaning, your local social services department can help with services like home help and meals at home (meals on wheels).

With thanks to My Weekly where this was originally published.