Boy dies from ‘silent killer’ after suffering flu-like symptoms at school
Sepsis: Dr Chris reveals how to reduce risk of infection
Coming home from school, Seán Hughes didn’t feel well, so his family took him to the local doctor.
Given antibiotics, Seán didn’t feel much better the next day, so his parents took him to the hospital.
His father, Joe, said: “The doctors in the hospital were baffled as they had absolutely no clue what was wrong with Seán.”
Four days later, the boy died; an inquest attributed Seán’s tragic death on January 12, 2018, to sepsis.
Dad Joe told the Irish Times: “He was only 15 years old and was a healthy young man with no underlying health issues.
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“We had never heard of sepsis before this; not once were we educated on this silent global killer that stole our son’s life.
“At no time was the term sepsis mentioned to Karen [Seán’s mum] or me by the family doctor, the paramedics, or the doctors in the hospital.”
Sepsis
The NHS recognises sepsis as a “life-threatening” reaction to an infection that can be “hard to spot”.
The health body explains: “It happens when your immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to damage your body’s own tissues and organs.”
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Also known as blood poisoning or septicaemia, if not treated urgently, the condition can turn into septic shock that causes organs to fail.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says bacterial infections “cause most cases of sepsis”.
A person who has sepsis might have one or more of the following symptoms:
- High heart rate or weak pulse
- Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
- Confusion or disorientation
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme pain or discomfort
- Clammy or sweaty skin.
Any sign of the medical emergency should be reported to the emergency services.
The NHS urges: “Don’t be afraid to ask the healthcare professional ‘is this sepsis?'”
The main treatment for sepsis is antibiotics given directly into a vein and fluid given intravenously.
Remembering his musically talented son, Joe shared: “From a very early age it was clear that Seán was bound for great things.
“He was a singer, entertainer, comedian and best friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
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