Sepsis can be hard to recognise, so trust your gut instinct. If you spot any of the signs or are concerned call 111 or go to Emergency and ask: “Could it be Sepsis?” 

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening uncontrolled immune response to an infection, causing the body to damage its own tissues and organs. Sepsis can be triggered by any type of infection, whether bacterial, viral, fungal, or caused by other germs (pathogens). Sepsis needs urgent and quick treatment with antibiotics, intravenous fluids and other supportive measures.

Act Quickly if you Suspect Sepsis

ANY infection at ANY time can lead to sepsis.

Sepsis can be hard to recognise, so trust your gut instinct. If you spot any of the signs or are concerned call 111 or go straight to Emergency and ask: Could it be Sepsis?

Know the Signs - Save a Life.

Not all symptoms need to be present and be aware that some can be confused with more common illnesses such as 'simple flu', or a tummy bug. People often say they feel like they are going to die, but remember, children may not be able to express this feeling, making it even harder to recognise. If there is uncertainty about the cause of an illness and ongoing concern, then seek advice immediately, or if getting worse, go to an Emergency Department as quickly as possible or call an ambulance. Critical illness from sepsis is preventable if detected and treated quickly, like a heart attack or stroke - early intervention saves lives.

Who is at Risk?

Anyone is at risk of developing sepsis from any infection at any time. Sepsis always starts with an infection, which could be a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. It’s not known why the immune response of some people develop sepsis in response to infections whereas others don’t.

Some groups of people are at a higher risk of developing sepsis, including:

  • Babies (under 1 year old)

  • Adults over 75 and/or people who are very frail

  • People who have impaired immune systems because of illness or drugs

  • Pregnant women

  • Māori & Pacific Islanders (often at a younger age)

PAIGE'S SEPSIS STORY

Sepsis doesn’t care who you are - or what you do…

Paige was a healthy young nurse working in a busy emergency department… listen to how she became a sepsis statistic, one of up to 50,000 Kiwis who contract sepsis annually.

Be a SEPSIS Superhero this September!

This World Sepsis Month, Sepsis Trust NZ invites you to become a SEPSIS Superhero – capes optional, impact guaranteed. Whether you’re hosting a morning tea, running your own a fundraiser, sharing your story, or simply making a donation, every act of heroism brings us one step closer to a world where sepsis is no longer a deadly mystery.

4.2 million

The number of children who die of sepsis each year globally.

$11,000

The average cost of a hospital admission with sepsis in New Zealand

80%

The proportion of sepsis cases that originate in the community.

11 million

Number of people who die of sepsis each year globally.

NZ Sepsis Trust's Ally Hossain to Moderate Global Webinar

Click here for more information and to registerRead more

Knowing the Signs of Sepsis Can Save Lives

The New Zealand Sepsis Trust is currently underway with a range of activities to mark global World Sepsis month in September, with its primary objective being to raise awareness of the signs andRead more

Tough cookie’s sepsis advocacy

Nine-year-old Barney Hossain is fast becoming a sales and health promotion superhero, this time after courageously subduing an evil condition. A sepsis diagnosis in May last year was a bolt from theRead more

SEPSIS: Suspect it, Say it, Stop it. Webinar - WSD Event

Presented by: Dr Paul Huggan - Consultant, Infectious Disease at Te Whatu Ora Waikato, Honorary Senior Lecturer, University of Auckland, Founding Trustee – Sepsis Trust NZ Timed to lead into WorldRead more

Ally Hossain Elected to Global Sepsis Alliance Board - a First for NZ

Last week, our member organizations came together to elect the Global Sepsis Alliance Board for the 2025–2028 term. The new Board brings together experts and advocates from across all regions ofRead more

Business Leader Reflects on Near-Death Battle

‘I was on the steps of the pearly gates’: Hamilton CEO’s near-death battle with pancreatitis.  Read the full story here.Read more

Te Niwha Community Development Grant Approved -

Face-to-face Wananga with Maori and Pasifika communities to raise awareness of sepsis In addition to raising awareness of sepsis, the project aims to gather feedback to new sepsis resources, and toRead more

Diagnostic tool missing 95% of kids hospitalised with sepsis: Study

New Australian research is calling for more accurate measures to help diagnose the life-threatening condition in children. An estimated 50 infants and children die as a result of sepsis every yearRead more

Support Meeting - 17 July 2025

Our Support Nurse holds support group meetings via Teams for anyone who is recovering from sepsis or for those who have previously had sepsis. To register for a monthly support meeting, please emailRead more

Donation Received

Earlier this week we were grateful to receive notification that Nelson Pine Industries Limited has chosen to make a donation to the NZ Sepsis Trust. Thank you so much to Nelson Pine Industries forRead more

Potter Trust Makes $25,000 Grant to Sepsis Trust

Read more

Season's Greetings from the NZ Sepsis Trust

Read more
 

This product has been added to your cart

CHECKOUT