Sepsis: Dr Chris reveals how to reduce risk of infection
On March 2, Bethannie Booth, 24, came down with symptoms typical of the flu. As her symptoms deteriorated, the primary school worker called NHS 111, and she was advised to go to the hospital. Arriving at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant, Wales, medics spotted that something wasn’t right and Bethannie was admitted to the ICU (intensive care unit). Bethannie had a collapsed lung and some of her organs were failing – medics put her into a coma.
Transferred to Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London, she was put on an ecmo (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) machine to help her breathe.
Bethannie had a strep A infection, which can cause flu-like symptoms that lead to sepsis.
Showing signs of recovery, Bethannie was returned to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital within a matter of weeks.
Sadly, five days later, the sepsis returned and Bethannie died while surrounded by her family.
Bathannie’s dad, Wayne, said: “I have only one way I can explain Beth – imagine the best female has got the biggest angel wings, who would do anything for anyone.
“She was so loved – the children [in her school] loved her, our grandchildren loved her.
“They say the best get taken from us first – God needs his angels. It has ripped us all apart.”
Megan described her younger sister, Bethannie, as “too sweet for the world”.
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Now the family wants to raise awareness about the symptoms and signs of sepsis.
Sepsis
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said: “Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection.”
The “life-threatening medical emergency” can happen to anyone, so you need to watch out for the signs.
Symptoms of sepsis can include:
- High heart rate or weak pulse
- Confusion or disorientation
- Extreme pain or discomfort
- Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
- Shortness of breath
- Clammy or sweaty skin.
“A medical assessment by a healthcare professional is needed to confirm sepsis,” the CDC adds.
Strep A
The NHS says strep A “is a common type of bacteria”, and while “most strep A infections are mild”, some are “more serious”.
Common symptoms of a strep A infection can include:
- Flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, swollen glands or an aching body
- Sore throat (strep throat or tonsillitis)
- A rash that feels rough, like sandpaper (scarlet fever)
- Scabs and sores (impetigo)
- Pain and swelling (cellulitis)
- Severe muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting.
How do you catch strep A?
The NHS says: “Strep A infections are spread by close contact with an infected person.
“They can be passed on through coughs and sneezes or from a wound. In some people, the bacteria live in the body without causing symptoms or making them feel unwell.
“But they can still pass the bacteria on to others.”
A fundraiser has been set up to support Bethannie’s family with funeral costs at this devastating time. You can make a donation here.
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