A New Warning to Students About Sepsis

Are you or someone you know heading to uni this autumn? You’ll likely catch a cold, deal with a UTI, or brush off a sore throat. This Sepsis Awareness Month, Sepsis Research FEAT is urging students and their families to be aware – those “just” infections can develop into something deadly. 

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that can strike suddenly due to everyday infections, and young, healthy people are not immune. In fact, many students delay seeking help, putting them at even greater risk.  

“It’s just a UTI.” 
“It’s just freshers’ flu.” 
“It’s just a hangover.” 

Until it’s not. 

To raise awareness, Sepsis Research FEAT has partnered with TikTok star Ruby Cline, who is helping the charity deliver vital messages to students across social media. Together, we will be busting myths and showing students exactly what to look out for and when to take symptoms seriously. 

The campaign also highlights the experience of Lily McGarry, a 23-year-old student from Cardiff University who lost all four limbs after developing sepsis from meningitis. More on her story can be found on the Sepsis Stories section of our website here. 

 ‘My key message to other students would be to look out for each other. Starting university is hard enough without having to think about illnesses. Simply learning the symptoms of sepsis could save yours or a fellow student’s life though. Try to ensure that you check your vaccination history with your GP before starting term, and if you haven’t been vaccinated against things like Meningitis or MMR, make sure you do so ASAP.’ 

Why students are at risk: 

  • Shared flats = shared infections 
  • Stress, sleepless nights and drinking can weaken your immune system 
  • Many students aren’t registered with a GP or delay asking for help 

What to watch for: 

If you or a flatmate has an infection and something feels “off,” trust your gut. Sepsis symptoms can include: 

  • A high or low temperature   
  • Uncontrolled shivering   
  • Confusion   
  • Passing little or no urine   
  • Blotchy or cold arms and legs   

If symptoms get worse or feel unusual call 111 or go to A&E. Tell them you’re worried about sepsis. Early treatment saves lives. 

“With so much else going on, our feeling is that students are particularly likely to brush off ‘mild’ health concerns, especially during freshers’ week,” said Colin Graham, Chief Operating Officer at Sepsis Research FEAT.  

“But if you’re too ill to Google what’s wrong, that’s the moment to call someone. We want students to be confident speaking up and for flatmates or friends to know when to step in too.”  

Throughout September, the charity will be sharing short videos, personal stories and medical advice across TikTok, YouTube and student-focused channels. With humour, honesty, and lived experience, the campaign’s goal is simple: stop ignoring infection symptoms and, if something feels seriously wrong, don’t wait. 

Sepsis Research FEAT is the UK’s only charity dedicated to funding sepsis research and raising awareness of its symptoms and risks.