Farmers are renowned for ‘toughing it out’ in many aspects of their working life and too often they don’t seek advice at an early stage when there is a health-related concern.

September is National Sepsis Awareness Month and when it comes to such a serious health issue as this, there is no room for complacency. It is always best to seek advice early. The UK Sepsis Trust urges us to know the signs and to ‘Just Ask: Could it be Sepsis?’. It is quite possible that this question could save a life.

In Scotland, there are 4000 deaths a year from sepsis. Sepsis can affect any age, but the elderly, the very young and those with underlying or recent illness or injury are most likely to be affected.

However, it is one of the few medical conditions which can kill a fit and healthy person within just hours. Early recognition of this dangerous disease can make a huge difference to the outcome and knowing the signs and symptoms could save a life.

Sepsis, which used to be known as ‘blood poisoning’, is a term used to describe a life-threatening emergency which occurs when the immune system overreacts to an infection and causes damage to tissues and vital organs. Bacterial infections such as chest, urine and skin infections are amongst the common causes of sepsis but it can be triggered by viruses, fungi and even seemingly minor injuries.

In 2022, the UK Sepsis Trust launched a campaign with support from the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust to highlight the increased risk of sepsis to the farming community following the death of Hannah Brown, a healthy young farmer who died of the condition. Risks are thought to be higher in agriculture because of the increased incidence of injuries, resilient farming attitudes, alongside difficulties and reluctance in accessing health care.

As with every medical condition, prevention is better than cure and reducing the chance of infection is most important. Cuts and scrapes are a common farming injury and it is important to ensure all wounds are carefully cleaned, covered and kept dry.

Practice good hand hygiene and look after your skin - cracks and callouses are an entry point for dirt and bugs. Take care with blades and try to avoid reusing or re-sheathing needles. Bruises, bashes and crush injuries cause swelling in tissues which have potential to be a source for infection and chest injuries, such as broken ribs, increase the chances of developing pneumonia.

If you have any symptoms such as fever, pain or swelling, this must be dealt with quickly. If you aren’t sure if you need to visit a doctor, advice is always available 24 hours a day by calling NHS 24 on 111. Should a diagnosis of infection be made, and treatment prescribed, it is essential to take medication as instructed by your health care provider and to complete the whole course. If symptoms worsen despite treatment, this should be reviewed without any delay.

If sepsis does set in, it is crucial to stop its progress as soon as possible. The chances of survival are much improved with fast recognition and treatment. One in five people with this condition will lose their life. Of those who recover, many can be left with long-term health issues including a higher chance of getting sepsis again, organ damage and occasionally life-changing amputations. Chronic fatigue, memory issues and anxiety are also common.

Symptoms of sepsis can be difficult to spot, it can present much like other common illnesses such as flu or a ‘stomach bug’. The UK Sepsis Trust has developed this reminder of the common symptoms in adults:

S – slurred speech or confusion

E – extreme shivering or muscle pains

P – passing no urine (in a day)

S – severe breathlessness

I – it feels like you’re going to die

S – skin mottled or discoloured

If you or someone else develops any of these symptoms, seek medical help IMMEDIATELY. Don’t be afraid to call 999 or to go straight to A&E. Every minute of delay will reduce the chance of a successful recovery.

There are excellent videos and resources, including the signs of sepsis in children, which are quite different to those seen in adults, to be found at https://sepsistrust.org

Dr Louise MacLarty has been a general practitioner and occupational health doctor in the Inverness and Dingwall area since 2007. Louise lives on a small farm in the Black Isle and helps to run the family forestry business. Louise is delighted to be working at the monthly Health Hut at Dingwall Mart which starts on the 29th August 2024, and is looking forward to promoting better health and wellbeing in the farming community.