Key points about recovery after sepsis
- most tamariki and rangatahi recover well after sepsis
- some may have ongoing effects, which can be short-term or longer lasting
- recovery can take weeks or months
- follow-up care is important
- support is available for tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau (families)
What recovery after sepsis looks like in children & young people
Recovery after sepsis is different for every child. Some bounce back quickly, while others take longer. It’s normal to notice changes in energy, mood, or concentration after sepsis. Many of these improve with time.
To learn more about what sepsis is visit the sepsis page.
Sepsis In Children & Young People
Common effects after sepsis
Recovery looks different for everyone. Some may notice changes that last a few weeks, while for others it may take months.
General health
- feeling weak or more tired than usual
- needing more rest than before
- ongoing pain or discomfort
- taking longer to return to activities such as sport or play
- changes in appetite or weight
- new or worsening health conditions
School and learning
- difficulties with memory or concentration
- finding it harder to keep up with schoolwork
- needing extra support with learning
- struggling with motivation
Behaviour and daily life
- lower energy for social activities
- finding it harder to join in with friends or whānau
- needing more downtime after busy days
Mood and emotions
- anxiety, sadness, or irritability
- being more clingy or withdrawn
- trouble sleeping
- feeling worried about getting sick again
Health professionals sometimes call these longer-term problems post-sepsis syndrome. Not every child will have these, but it helps to know what to look for.
When to get medical help during recovery
Take your child to a health professional if they:
- are not improving as expected
- develop new or worrying symptoms
- struggle with everyday activities such as eating, walking, or learning
- show signs of ongoing anxiety, sadness, or behaviour changes that worry you
Supporting your child at home
Rest
Recovery takes time, and rest is important. Encourage your child to take breaks when they need to. They can slowly build up their activity levels.
Healthy food and fluids
Offer healthy food and make sure your child is drinking enough fluids. Good nutrition supports their body to heal and regain strength.
Listening and reassurance
Sepsis can be a frightening experience. Give your child time to talk about how they are feeling. Listen, reassure them, and let them know it is normal to feel tired or worried after being unwell.
Support with school and daily life
Stay in touch with your child’s school or kura. Let the teachers know your child may need extra help or more time to get back to normal. At home, pace activities so your child has space for both rest and play.
Keeping track
It can help to keep a diary of symptoms, mood, and sleep. Share this with your health professional. It will give them a clear picture of how your child is recovering over time.
Treatment and support during recovery
Some tamariki and rangatahi recover well with rest, good nutrition, and time. Others may need extra help to regain strength, confidence, or skills after sepsis. Your health professional can guide you on what kind of support will help most.
If you notice any ongoing problems with your child, talk to your health professional.
Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
Physiotherapy helps rebuild strength, improve mobility, or support fitness after being in hospital. Occupational therapy can help with daily activities such as dressing, eating and school.
Speech and language therapy (SLT)
SLT can help if there were breathing, voice, or swallowing changes during or after illness.
Psychological support or counselling
Psychological support can help tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau after going home.
Follow-up care and check-ups
Your child may have follow-up appointments after going home from hospital. Tell healthcare providers that your child has had sepsis. This may be important for their future care.
Reducing the risk of future infections
Vaccination in childhood helps protect against many infections that can cause sepsis. This includes bacteria such as pneumococcus and meningococcus and viruses like influenza.
More information and support
Having a child with sepsis can be frightening and stressful for parents and whānau. It’s normal to feel worried even after your child has come home from hospital.
You might find it helpful to:
- talk with your child’s health professionals about any concerns
- ask about follow-up appointments and what signs to look for at home
- reach out to friends, whānau, or community groups for support
- look after your own wellbeing by resting when you can
- seek support if you feel overwhelmed
If you continue to feel anxious or find it hard to cope, talk with your health professional. Support is available for you and your child.
Visit the Sepsis Trust NZ website for information, resources and support. They run online support group meetings for anyone affected by sepsis.
The Australian Sepsis Network website has trusted information about sepsis and recovery. You can find fact sheets, stories, and resources for people who have experienced sepsis and for their whānau.
This website shares information and personal stories about life after critical illness. It offers practical advice and support for people recovering from time in intensive care and for families supporting them.
Yellow Brick Road provides mental health support for families and whānau. They offer free information, resources, and peer support to help parents and caregivers when a loved one is recovering from illness or facing mental health challenges.
