Karims Pharmacy

Diabetes 1

Diabetes

The estimate for the number of diabetics in the UK is 4.4 million and roughly 1.2 million that may have diabetes but have not yet been diagnosed. These patients need to have regular annual check ups to make sure they do not suffer from the complications that diabetes can cause. For example, there are more than 184 amputations and 770 strokes due to diabetes in the UK every week but many of these are preventable with the right care.

These complications cost the NHS £6.2 billion per year from on overall spend on diabetes of £10.7 billion which is about 6% of the whole UK health budget. There are estimates for the cost of diabetes rising to £18 billion by 2035. Much of this money could be saved if patients with diabetes followed the instructions of their doctors and nurses gave them. In many cases, you don’t even have to lose weight, just alter your eating habits so you reduce the amount of carbohydrates you eat and exercise a bit more. Again, not necessarily going to the gym but going upstairs more often, having a walk at lunch time, walking to the local shops rather than driving.

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Pharmacy First 5

Quiz

Q1. What is Pharmacy First?
A1. It is a new service that has been introduced so you get a supply of certain medicines for certain minor ailments.
Q2. What are minor ailments?
A2. These are conditions that will usually resolve themselves like coughs, colds, insect bites, nasal congestion.
Q3. What is the point of this new service?
A3. It aims to reduce the workload of GPs.
Q4. What conditions can I get a supply of antibiotics for?
A4. Urinary tract infections (UTIs), impetigo, shingles, insect bites, sinusitis, ear infections and sore throats.
Q5. Can we just walk in and get an antibiotic?
A5. No. Your infection has to meet certain criteria set by the government.
Q6. Who can get help for a UTI?
A6. You must be a woman between 16 and 64 years and it must be your first infection in the last 6 months.
Q7. Who can’t get help for a sore throat?
A7. Children under 5 and pregnant women under 16.
Q8. What are the criteria for acute earache?
A8. Children aged 1 to 17 with severe infection who have had less than 3 episodes in 6 months.
Q9. Who can get help for shingles?
A9. Any adult over 18 years old.
Q10. What are the restrictions on pharmacists helping people with impetigo?
A10. Anybody with bullous impetigo, recurrent impetigo (2 or more episodes in the same year), pregnant women under 16.

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Pharmacy First 3

What is the procedure if I have one of these conditions?

Our pharmacist will take you into the consulting room and ask you questions to assess if you are seriously ill. If they think you may be, they will send you back to your GP or to A&E. If they think it is less serious, they will continue to ask you questions to ascertain the severity of your symptoms.
Depending on the answers you give, our pharmacist will either:
• Offer advice and an OTC remedy to ease your symptoms while your body fights off the infection, asking you to return in a few days if you are still not well.
• Review your symptoms and if they pass a “gateway point” set by the protocol determined by NHS, our pharmacist can prescribe you an antibiotic.
Examples of the criteria for each condition are:
• If you have impetigo with 3 or less lesions you may be offered hydrogen peroxide cream for 5 days. If you have 4 or more, you could be offered an antibiotic.
• If you have an uncomplicated UTI with mild symptoms, you could be asked to return in 48 hours if there is no improvement but if the symptoms are moderate to severe you may be given nitrofurantoin.
• If you have acute, severe symptoms of a sore throat, you may be offered an antibiotic.
• If your child has mild earache, you may be offered self-care advice and pain killers but if it is more severe and/or your child has had it for more than 3 days, you may be offered an antibiotic
• Most insect bites are not serious and will get better in a few hours/days but if there is redness and swelling around the bite or pus discharge, you may be offered an antibiotic.
• If you think you may have shingles and our pharmacist agrees, it is with in 72 hours of the onset of the rash and you are over 50 OR it is one week after the onset of the rash, and you are over 70 you may be offered an antiviral.
• If you have been suffering from sinusitis for less than 10 days, you could be offered self-care advice and pain relief but if the symptoms have lasted more than 10 days and are getting worse you may be offered an antibiotic.

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Pharmacy First 2

What are the conditions that pharmacists can supply antibiotics for on the NHS?

The Government has decided that there are 7 minor ailments that pharmacists can supply antibiotics on the NHS provided strict criteria are met. The ailments are:
• UTI - only to women aged 16-64 who haven’t had a UTI in the last 6 months
• Impetigo - as long as it’s non-bullous, you haven’t had an episode in the last year, and you are not pregnant under 16
• Shingles - any adult over 18 except pregnant women.
• Insect bites - anybody over 1 year old excluding pregnant women under 16
• Sinusitis - for anybody over 12 excluding immunocompromised people, chronic sinusitis (symptoms have lasted for more than 12 weeks) and pregnant women under 16
• Ear infections - for children aged 1 to 17 excluding those who have had 3 or more infections in 6 months or 4 or more in 12 months and pregnant women under 16
• Sore throat - for adults and children over 5 excluding women under 16 who are pregnant

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Pharmacy First 1

What is Pharmacy First?

It is a new service that the government has introduced to help relieve the pressure on GPs and other emergency settings. Hopefully it will also mean that you will be seen by a highly qualified healthcare professional without an appointment and more quickly than previously.
The system is intended to work like this: You visit your GP, Out of Hours, a walk-in centre or you contact NHS 111 and the person you speak to, after asking several questions, decides you have what is called a minor ailment and refers you to your local pharmacy.
A minor ailment is one that will usually clear up on its own, after a few days but you may feel that you need some sort of medication to ease the symptoms. In this case you will be referred to your local pharmacy for advice and some over the counter remedy to help.

Photo 32907956 | Earache © Katarzyna Bialasiewicz | Dreamstime.com

Insect Bites 6

Quiz

Q1. What insects can bite?
A1. Midges, mosquitoes, fleas and bedbugs.

Q2. What insects can sting?
A2. Bees, wasps and hornets.

Q3. How do insects bite?
A3. Make a small hole in your skin to feed.

Q4. What causes the sting?
A4. Injecting venom into the skin.

Q5. What are the symptoms of insect bites?
A5. Pain in the area where the bite has occurred, a small, swollen lump on the skin.

Q6. What should I do if I am bitten?
A6. Clean the skin, keep the affected area raised.

Q7. When should I get medical advice?
A7. The bite or sting starts swelling or blistering, if there is pus.

Q8. What treatment is there for insect bites?
A8. Take painkillers if painful, use antihistamines to relieve itching, use hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and swelling.

Q9. How can I avoid being bitten?
A9. Avoid insect hotspots, keep windows and doors shut, cover up with appropriate clothing, wear insect repellent.

Q10. Which countries could put me at risk of malaria?
A10. Africa, Asia and South America.

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Insect Bites 5

Quiz

Q1. What insects can bite?
Q2. What insects can sting?
Q3. How do insects bite?
Q4. What causes the sting?
Q5. What are the symptoms of insect bites?
Q6. What should I do if I am bitten?
Q7. When should I get medical advice?
Q8. What treatment is there for insect bites?
Q9. How can I avoid being bitten?
Q10. Which countries could put me at risk of malaria?

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Insect Bites 4

Travelling abroad

There’s a risk of catching diseases such as malaria from insect bites in certain parts of the world, such as:

• Africa
• Asia
• South America

It’s therefore necessary to be aware of any risks before travelling to these areas, and to get any necessary medication or vaccinations prior to travelling.

To learn more about this or any other health condition that is concerning you, have a chat with one of our trained team.

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Insect Bites 3

Preventing insect bites and stings

Most insects are more active during the early mornings and late evenings. If you are outside, try to sit somewhere in the sun with a breeze as some insects don’t like these conditions.

Insect hotspots

Be wary of insect hotspots such as outdoor areas where food is served e.g. a pub garden. Cover food and drink when eating or drinking outside, especially sweet things such as fizzy, sugary drinks.

Insect nests

Never disturb insect nests - such as a wasp nest in trees or in a roof space. If a nest is in, or near to, your house, arrange to have it removed professionally.

Keep insects out

Doors and windows should remain closed or covered with thin protective netting to prevent insects getting inside the house. Keep car windows closed to stop insects getting inside.

Cover up

Cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers. To avoid tick bites, it is advisable to cover up in long grassland. As well as this, always check yourself and pets following a grassy walk.

Insect repellent

Be aware that product such as soaps, shampoos and deodorants with strong scents can attract insects. Insect repellent is worth using if you are spending a lot of time outdoors. Apply repellents that contain 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide) as they are most effective. Apply to exposed skin and clothing.

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Insect Bites 2

What to do if you’ve been bitten or stung by an insect?

You can often treat an insect bite or sting without seeing a GP.
If anything is left on or in your skin, the first thing you need to do is remove it carefully.
If there is nothing in your skin, or you’ve removed it, wash your skin with soap and water to help lower the chance of infection. The bite or sting should get better in a few days. There are some things you can do to ease your symptoms:

DO:
• Put an ice pack wrapped in a cloth or a clean cloth soaked in cold water on the bite or sting for at least 20 minutes, if its swollen
• Keep the area raised if you can
• Take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if the sting is painful
• Use antihistamines to relieve any itching (but do not use antihistamine cream if you had caterpillar hairs on your skin)
• Use a hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and swelling

DO NOT:
• Scratch the bite or sting as it could get infected
• Use home remedies such as bicarbonate of soda to treat the bite or sting.
• You should speak to a pharmacist if:
• You’ve been bitten or stung and there’s a lot of swelling or blistering
• There’s pus, which indicates infection, your pharmacist can treat this in some instances

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Insect Bites 1

Insect Bites and Stings

Insect bites or stings are not usually serious and get better in a few days. But sometimes they can become infected or cause a serious allergic reaction.
In the UK, insects that bite include midges, mosquitoes, fleas, bedbugs and although not strictly insects, spiders, mites and ticks, which are arachnids. Insects that sting include bees, wasps and hornets.

An insect bites you by making a hole in your skin to feed. Most insects sting as a defence by injecting venom into your skin. Bites from some insects can also cause illnesses, such a Lyme disease from ticks, scabies from mites, and malaria from mosquitoes in certain parts of the world. The main symptoms of an insect bite or sting are:
• Pain where you were bitten or stung
• A small, swollen lump on the skin

The lump may look red. It may be more difficult to see on black or brown skin, but you should be able to feel it.

Photo 17013002 | Insect © Natursports | Dreamstime.com

Otitis Media 5

Quiz

Q1. What is otitis media?
A1. An infection of the middle ear.
Q2. What are the symptoms of middle ear infection?
A2. Earache, high temperature, being sick, lack of energy, slight hearing loss.
Q3. What are the symptoms in young children?
A3. Rubbing or pulling their ear, not reacting to sounds, irritable, off their food, keep losing their balance.
Q4. What causes middle ear infections?
A4. An infection, such as a cold, leads to a build up of mucus in the middle ear.
Q5. Why are babies and young children more susceptible to middle ear infections?
A5. Because the Eustachian tube is smaller in children and a child’s adenoids are relatively larger.
Q6. When should I get medical advice?
A6. You can call in to see our pharmacist who may be able to help and if not advise you to go to your GP.
Q7. What treatment is there for middle ear infections?
A7. Most infections clear up on their own in 2-3 days, but you can use paracetamol of ibuprofen (if suitable) to ease the pain.
Q8. What is glue ear?
A8. It is where the middle part of the ear canal fills up with fluid which can cause temporary hearing loss.
Q9. Can middle ear infections be prevented?
A9. No but you can reduce the risk of your child developing one by keeping their vaccinations up to date and if possible, feed your baby with breast milk rather than formula.
Q10. What is a perforated eardrum?
A10. It is a hole or tear in your eardrum which usually gets better on its own within two months.

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Otitis Media 4

Quiz

Q1. What is otitis media?
Q2. What are the symptoms of middle ear infection?
Q3. What are the symptoms in young children?
Q4. What causes middle ear infections?
Q5. Why are babies and young children more susceptible to middle ear infections?
Q6. When should I get medical advice?
Q7. What treatment is there for middle ear infections?
Q8. What is glue ear?
Q9. Can middle ear infections be prevented?
Q10. What is a perforated eardrum?

Photo 149404354 | Ear © Andrey Popov | Dreamstime.com

Otitis Media 3

What is otitis media with effusion?

This is also known as glue ear. It is a build-up of fluid deep inside the ear, which commonly causes temporary hearing loss. The condition tends to be painless but sometimes the pressure of this fluid can cause earache. It will often clear up on its own, although this can take a few months. If the problem is persistent, a minor procedure to place small tubes called grommets in the ear may be recommended to help drain the fluid.

For ears to work properly the middle ear needs to be kept full of air. The air travels through the eustachian tube but if this tube is blocked, air cannot enter the middle ear. Then the cell lining in the middle ear begins to produce fluid. This runny liquid may get thicker as it fills the middle ear. With fluid blocking the middle ear, it becomes harder for sound to pass through to the inner ear, making quieter sounds difficult to hear.

To learn more about this or any other health condition that is concerning you, have a chat with one of our trained team.

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Otitis Media 2

What causes middle ear infections?

Most middle ear infections occur when an infection such as a cold, leads to a build up of mucus in the middle ear. This causes the Eustachian tube (a thin tube that runs from the middle ear to the back of the nose) to become swollen or blocked. The mucus can’t drain away properly, making it easier for an infection to spread into the middle ear.

An enlarged adenoid (soft tissue at the back of the throat) can also block the Eustachian tube. The adenoid can be removed if it often causes ear infections. Middle ear infections are more common in younger children because:

• The Eustachian tube is smaller in children than in adults.
• A child’s adenoids are relatively larger than in an adult.

Certain conditions can also increase the risk of middle ear infections including, having a cleft palate or Down’s syndrome. It is not possible to prevent ear infections but there are some things you can do that may reduce your child’s risk of developing one:

Do:
• Make sure your child is up to date with their routine vaccinations - particularly pneumococcal vaccine and the DTaP/IPV/Hib/Hep B (6in1) vaccine.
• If possible, feed your baby breast milk rather than formula milk.

Don’t:
• Expose your child to smoky environments.
• Give your child a dummy once they are older than 12 months.
• Feed your child while they are flat on their back.

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Otitis Media 1

What is otitis media?

It is an infection of the middle ear. It causes inflammation (redness and swelling) and a build up of fluid behind the eardrum. Anyone can develop a middle ear infection but they’re most common in young children.
The symptoms include:
• Earache
• A high temperature
• Being sick
• A lack of energy
• Slight hearing loss - if the middle ear becomes filled with fluid.

In some cases, a hole may develop in the eardrum (perforated eardrum) and puss may run out of the ear. The earache which is caused by the build up of fluid stretching the eardrum, then resolves.
In young children and babies, the signs of an ear infection may also include:
• Rubbing or pulling at their ear
• Not reacting to some sounds
• Being irritable or restless
• Being off their food
• Keep losing their balance

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Sore Throat 4

QUIZ

Q1. Name 3 symptoms of sore throats?
A1. Pain when swallowing, dry scratchy throat, redness in the back of your throat, bad breath, mild cough and swollen glands.
Q2. How can you soothe a sore throat?
A2. Gargle, drink plenty of water, eat cool or soft food, avoid smoking, suck ice cubes, ice lollies or hard sweets, rest.
Q3. How do you gargle?
A3. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, gargle with the solution, then spit it out and repeat as often as you like.
Q4 If these haven't helped, what else can you do?
A4. You can ask our pharmacist about pain killers you can take or medicated lozenges you can suck.
Q5. What causes a sore throat?
A5. It is usually a viral infection which means that antibiotics will not be of any use, though it can be laryngitis, tonsilitis or glandular fever.
Q6. What is laryngitis?
A6. It is when your voice box or vocal cords become irritated or swollen.
Q7. What are the main symptoms?
A7. A hoarse, croaky voice, sometimes losing your voice, an irritating cough, always needing to clear your throat, a sore throat.
Q8. What is tonsilitis?
A8. It is an infection at the back of your throat.
Q9 What is glandular fever?
A9. A viral infection that mostly infects teenagers and young adults.
Q10 What are the symptoms of glandular fever?
A10. High temperature, swollen glands, sore throat, rash, headache and tiredness.

To find out more about this or any other health concern you might have, talk to one of our trained team.

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Sore Throat 3

QUIZ
Q1. Name 3 symptoms of sore throats?
Q2. How can you soothe a sore throat?
Q3. How do you gargle?
Q4. If these haven't helped, what else can you do?
Q5. What causes a sore throat?
Q6. What is laryngitis?
Q7. What are the main symptoms?
Q8. What is tonsilitis?
Q9. What is glandular fever?
Q10. What are the symptoms of glandular fever?

To find out more about this or any other health concern you might have, talk to one of our trained team.

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Sore Throat 2

What Causes a Sore Throat?

Sore throats are usually caused by viruses (like cold or flu) or from smoking. Very occasionally they can be caused by bacteria. They can also be caused by:
Laryngitis:

This usually comes on suddenly and gets worse during the first 3 days. The main symptoms are a hoarse croaky voice, sometimes loss of voice, irritating cough that does not go away, always needing to clear your throat, a sore throat. It usually goes away on its own after 1-2 weeks. You can ease the symptoms by speaking as little as possible, drinking plenty of fluids, keeping the air moist with bowls of water, gargling with salty water.

Tonsillitis:

This can feel like a bad cold or flu. The tonsils at the back of your throat will be red and swollen. The main symptoms are a sore throat, problems with swallowing, a high temperature of 38C or above, coughing, a headache, feeling sick, earache, feeling tired. The symptoms will usually go away after 3-4 days. You can help the symptoms by getting plenty of rest, drinking cool drinks, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, and gargling with salty water. To stop these infections spreading - if you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people, use tissues when you cough or sneeze and throw them away and wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.

Glandular fever:

This is a viral infection that mostly affects teenagers and young adults. It can get better without treatment, but it can last for weeks and makes you feel very ill. The symptoms include high temperature, swollen glands, which may be in the neck, head, armpits, elbows or groin, sore throat, a rash which may be harder to see on black or brown skin, headache, tiredness. Here are some things that you can do to help ease the symptoms - Rest, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, take pain killers like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Do not do strenuous activities like heavy lifting or playing sports.
If any of these symptoms last more than a few days, come back to see us where we might be able to prescribe an antibiotic or visit your GP.
To find out more about this or any other health concern you might have, talk to one of our trained team.

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Sore Throat 1

Sore Throat

Sore throats are very common and usually nothing to worry about. The symptoms are:
• A painful throat, especially when swallowing
• A dry scratchy throat
• Redness in the back of your mouth
• Bad breath
• A mild cough
• Swollen neck glands
The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get a temperature and appear less active. They normally get better by themselves within a week. There are things you can do to help soothe your throat and shorten how long it takes to heal by:
• Gargling with warm salty water – dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with it, as often as you like (children should not try this)
• Drinking plenty of water
• Eating cool or soft food
• Avoiding smoking or smoky places
• Sucking ice cubes, ice lollies or hard sweets but do not give young children anything small and hard to suck because of the risk of choking
• If these do not help, you can talk to our pharmacist about other ways of relieving the pain and discomfort of a sore throat such as:
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic or anti-inflammatory medicine
• Anaesthetic spray
Some medicines are not suitable for everybody, so it is best to check with our pharmacist.
Photo 71627556 | Sore Throat © Ramzi Hachicho | Dreamstime.com

Sinusitis 6

QUIZ

Q1. What are your sinuses?
A1. Small spaces behind your cheekbones and forehead.
Q2. What is sinusitis?
A2. It is swelling of your sinuses.
Q3. What causes sinusitis?
A3. Usually an infection after a cold.
Q4. What are the symptoms?
A4. Pain around your cheeks, blocked nose, loss of smell, yellow mucus from your nose, headache, high temperature, toothache, bad breath.
Q5. What is the treatment?
A5. Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water, take pain killers, avoid allergy triggers, don’t smoke, clean your nose with a saltwater solution.
Q6. What do you put in a homemade saltwater solution?
A6. 1 teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of bicarbonate soda.
Q7. What are decongestants?
A7. They are a type of medicine that can provide short term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose.
Q8. How do they do this?
A8. They reduce the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose, which helps open the airways.
Q9. How long can you use a decongestant?
A9. No more than one week.
Q10. What should I do if they don’t clear up my sinusitis?
A10. Under the new Pharmacy First service you can speak to our pharmacist who may be able to prescribe you an antibiotic if you fit certain criteria.

Photo 303156912 | Decongestant © Siriporn Kaenseeya | Dreamstime.com

Sinusitis 5

QUIZ

Q1. What are your sinuses?
Q2. What is sinusitis?
Q3. What causes sinusitis?
Q4. What are the symptoms?
Q5. What is the treatment?
Q6. What do you put in a homemade saltwater solution?
Q7. What are decongestants?
Q8. How do they do this?
Q9. How long can you use a decongestant?
Q10. What should I do if they don’t clear up my sinusitis?

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Sinusitis 4

Decongestants

Decongestants are a type of medicine that can provide short term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose. They work by reducing the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose, which helps to open the airways.
Decongestants are available as:
• Nasal sprays
• Drops
• Tablets or capsules
• Liquids or syrups
• Flavoured powders to dissolve in hot water.
Some products may just contain decongestant medicine, but many are sold as “all-in-one” that contain decongestants, painkillers, or antihistamines. Most decongestants can be bought over the counter from pharmacies without prescriptions.
Most people can take decongestants safely, but they are not suitable for everyone. The following groups of people should not use them without getting advice from our pharmacist or their doctor first:
• People taking other medicines.
• People with diabetes.
• People with high blood pressure.
• People with an overactive thyroid gland
• Men with an enlarged prostate
• People with liver, kidney, heart, or circulation problems.
• People with increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma).
Decongestants should not be given to children under 6 and those aged 6 -11 should use them for no longer than 5 days. It’s not clear if it is safe to use decongestants when you are pregnant and you should not use the tablets, liquids, or powders if you are breastfeeding. Most decongestants should only be used between 1 and 4 times a day and not for more than one week.
Decongestants do not usually have side effects and any that you may experience are usually mild. Possible effects include:
• Feeling sleepy (look for non-drowsy medicines)
• Irritation of the lining of your nose
• Headaches
• Feeling or being sick
• A dry mouth
• Feeling restless or agitated
• A rash.
Photo 105992098 | Decongestant © Thunderstock17 | Dreamstime.com

Sinusitis 3

How to clean your nose with a homemade saltwater solution:

1. Boil a pint of water, then leave to cool.
2. Mix one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda into the water.
3. Wash your hands.
4. Stand over the sink, cup the palm of your hand and pour a small amount of the solution into it.
5. Sniff the water into one nostril at a time.
6. Breathe through your mouth and allow the water to pour back into the sink. Try not to let the water go down the back of your throat.
7. Repeat the first 5 steps up to three times a day until your nose feels more comfortable.
You do not need to use all of the solution but make a fresh one each time you clean your nose.
Our pharmacist can help with sinusitis as they can advise you about medicines that can help like decongestant nasal sprays or drops to unblock your nose but those should not be given to children under 6.
If we sign up to the new Pharmacy First Service, we will be able to prescribe antibiotics if your sinusitis is very bad and is not responding to treatment and you fit certain criteria. You do not need to make an appointment.

Photo 269817586 | Sinusitis © Thunderstock17 | Dreamstime.com

Sinusitis 2

How do you treat sinusitis?

You can treat sinusitis yourself, without seeing your GP. You do this by:
• Getting plenty of rest
• Drinking plenty of fluid
• Take pain killers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if they are suitable for you.
• Avoid allergic triggers
• Don’t smoke
Clean your nose with a saltwater solution to ease congestion.

Photo 126507348 | Nasal Sinus © Dmitry Kotin | Dreamstime.com

Sinusitis 1

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is swelling of your sinuses which are small empty spaces behind your cheekbones and forehead that connect to the inside of your nose. Sinusitis causes the lining of the sinuses to swell up. This stops mucus draining into your nose and throat properly, making you feel blocked up.
Sinusitis is usually caused by an infection after a cold. It’s common and usually clears up on its own within two to three weeks. However, there are medicines that can help if it’s taking a long time to go away.
The symptoms of sinusitis include:
• Pain, swelling and tenderness around your cheek, eyes, or forehead
• A blocked nose
• A reduced sense of smell
• Green or yellow mucus from your nose.
• A sinus headache
• A high temperature
• Toothache
• Bad breath.

Photo 54477595 | Sinus © Designer491 | Dreamstime.com

Sepsis 6

Quiz & Answers

Q1. What is sepsis?
A1. It is a life threatening reaction to an infection.
Q2. How many people die from sepsis every hour in the UK?
A2. 4.
Q3. Why is there such a high death rate?
A3. Because it is very hard to spot.
Q4. Who is more likely to get sepsis?
A4. Babies under 1, people over 75, diabetics, people with a weakened immune system, people who have recently had surgery or a serious illness, women who have just given birth, had a miscarriage or an abortion.
Q5. What are the symptoms of sepsis in an older child or adult?
A5. Acting confused, blue, grey or blotchy skin, lips or tongue, a rash that does not fade, difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast.
Q6. What should I do if I see any of these symptoms?
A6. Call 999 or go to A&E.
Q7. In whom is it especially difficult to spot sepsis?
A7. Babies and young children, people with dementia, people with a learning disability and people who have difficulty communicating.
Q8. Can you catch sepsis from somebody else?
A8. No.
Q9. What is the treatment?
A9. You should get antibiotics within one hour of arriving at hospital.
Q10. What happens if sepsis is not treated early?
A10. It can turn into septic shock and cause your organs to fail.