Sepsis is the way the body's defence system (immune system) reacts to an infection. The immune system will set off a chain of reactions which if left untreated, could lead to multiple organ failure and even death. The numbers as you saw earlier are staggering, but what is even more concerning is the lack of awareness.

A person can get sepsis in many different ways; it can happen if you have:

Anyone can develop sepsis after injury or a minor infection but it can affect people that are most vulnerable and at risk including:

• Babies and the elderly
• On long term steroids or are being treated for cancer or other conditions
• You have a serious illness which affects your immune sysem (the way your body protects itself from infection)
• Are pregnant or just given birth
• Have diabetes
• Had an infection following a procedure or operation
• Have had serious liver disease
• Are malnourished (your body hasn't had enough food)
• Had an organ transplant