Sepsis: Is Your Child’s Fever or Illness a Medical Emergency?
As parents, we all know the feeling of worry when our child spikes a fever or seems a lot more tired than usual. Most of the time, it’s just a passing viral illness.
But in some cases, it can be something more serious—like sepsis. Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to infection, and in children, it can escalate quickly. Early recognition and treatment are crucial, and that’s where YOU come in!
April 20-26 is Pediatric Sepsis Week. To spread awareness about sepsis, let’s talk about what it is, its symptoms, and which underlying conditions put certain children at risk. We’ll break down what you need to know, including the signs of severe illness and what we, as doctors, are watching for when your child comes in for a sick visit.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis happens when the body overreacts to an infection or when an infection overwhelms it, triggering widespread inflammation that can lead to organ dysfunction. This can put someone at risk of very serious illness or death. Sepsis can start from a simple illness like the flu, pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, or even a minor scrape that gets infected.
Early signs of sepsis in kids
Sepsis can look different in every child, but common early signs include:
- Fever (or sometimes an unusually low temperature)
- Fast heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Lethargy, irritability, or difficulty waking up
- Cold, clammy, or pale skin
- Poor feeding
- Decreased urine output (fewer than 3 wet diapers or voids per 24 hours)
These symptoms can overlap with many common illnesses, but what sets sepsis apart is how sick your child looks and how quickly symptoms worsen. If your parental instincts tell you something isn’t right, trust them and seek medical care immediately.
High-risk conditions for sepsis
Some children are more prone to developing sepsis. What are some of the conditions or recent events that potentially make sepsis more likely?
- Newborns younger than 60 days old
- Immunosuppression or weakened immune system due to certain chronic conditions or medications
- Incomplete immunizations
- Cancer patients or children with indwelling central catheters
- Sickle cell anemia
- Asplenia (spleen removed or functionally absent)
- Genetic syndromes
- Surgery or hospitalization within the last 30 days
When to seek medical help
If your child is sick and something feels “off,” always err on the side of caution. Go with your instincts and seek help. Sepsis can progress in hours, but early treatment saves lives.
Call 911 or go to the ER if your child:
- Has distress while breathing (sucking in between the ribs, grunting, nasal flaring)
- Is difficult to wake up or isn’t responding normally
- Has cold, blue, or mottled skin
- Shows signs of severe dehydration (no urine for 12+ hours, dry mouth, or sunken eyes)
- Has seizures or sudden confusion
The bottom line about pediatric sepsis
Sepsis is scary, but now you as a parent can help recognize when a simple infection might be progressing to something not-so-simple. As parents, you are your child’s best advocate. If you suspect sepsis, speak up and seek care right away.
Trust your instincts, stay informed, and don’t hesitate to seek care for concerns out of the norm—because when it comes to sepsis, every minute counts.
Want to learn more? Talk to your pediatrician about sepsis and infection prevention at your child’s next checkup. Also, the best tool you to protect your child is to get them their immunizations. Being under-vaccinated is one of the biggest risk factors for sepsis.
Stay healthy, stay informed, and keep advocating for your little ones.
Resources for Parents
American Academy of Pediatrics
Featured Author
Dr. Riley Graetz' biography reads: I chose pediatrics because I enjoy forming lasting relationships with families and their children. I am particularly inspired by the curiosity and resilience of children. As a father of two toddlers, I understand that being a parent is both challenging and rewarding.
As a pediatrician, I treat my patients and families as if they were my own. In my practice, I use evidence-based medicine to guide my decision-making. I am a strong proponent of preventative medicine and routine immunization to ensure that your child will continue to thrive.
Read more at https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/providers/rileygraetz Disclaimer: If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder. This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.