NewsHealthSepsisThe health body has issued an alert about a potentially life-threatening medical emergency04:15, 19 Jul 2026The NHS has urged Brits to “call 999” if they spot any signs of a life-threatening medical emergency. These include the tongue turning blue, pale or grey, according to the health body.‌This could be one symptom of sepsis. Sepsis is a potentially deadly response to an infection in the body, which can cause significant damage to tissues and organs.‌The warning comes as a recent NHS update revealed that sepsis is estimated to cause around 4,000 deaths a year in England. In a post made to social media platform X, the NHS said: “Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection which needs urgent treatment in hospital straight away.‌“It can be hard to spot, so make sure you know the symptoms.” It warned that both adults and children with sepsis could see the colour of their skin, lips, or tongue change.Content cannot be displayed without consentThe NHS said: “Blue, pale, grey or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on black or brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.”‌Other symptoms in adults include:Difficulty breathingActing confused, slurred speech or not making senseUncontrollable shiveringMuscle painA high or low temperature – a high temperature is less common in older adultsNot peeing all day or peeing very little in the past 18 hoursSymptoms in children include:‌Difficulty breathing or breathing very fastHaving a fit (seizure)A high or low temperatureA rash that does not fade when you press itBeing sleepier than normal or difficult to wakeNot peeing in the last 12 hours (for babies and children under five years), or not peeing all day (for children five years and over)The NHS continued: “If you or someone else has symptoms of sepsis, call 999 or go to A&E. Trust your instincts.”‌Causes of sepsisThe exact cause of sepsis is not known. On its website, the NHS said: “It's thought your immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to damage your body's organs.“The risk of getting sepsis may also be affected by the type of infection, your age, genetics and any other conditions you have.” Any type of infection can lead to sepsis, but bacterial infections are the “most common” cause, including:Chest infections (pneumonia)Urinary tract infections (UTIs)Abdominal infections, such as appendicitisSkin infections, such as cellulitis or infected wounds‌Who's at risk of getting sepsisAnyone can get sepsis, but there's a higher chance of getting it if:A baby is under 12 monthsYou're over 75 yearsYou're pregnant, have given birth, or had an abortion or a miscarriage in the past six weeksYour immune system is weakened because you have a condition like HIV or sickle cell disease, you're having chemotherapy, or you're taking corticosteroids or immunosuppressantsYou have a burn, cut or wound, or a skin infection like cellulitisYou have a catheter (a tube used to empty pee from your bladder and collect it in a drainage bag)You inject illegal drugs or misuse alcoholArticle continues belowIf you've had sepsis, you may also have a higher chance of getting other infections because of damage to your immune system. You should call NHS 111 if you or your child have had sepsis in the past 12 months and have symptoms of an infection, such as a very high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shivery.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Fitness And HealthGood HealthHealthy LifestyleHealthy LifeHealthHealthy LivingSepsisNHSSkinHospitalsPregnancyImmune systemMiscarriageSTDsAbortionAppendicitis