Parents and carers are being urged to listen out for a high-pitched and weak cry as this could be a warning sign of sepsis in children, doctors say.
The most common symptoms of the potentially fatal condition are rashes and unexplained sleepiness. However, the notable sounds from little ones is an important signal to keep an eye out for. The warning sign becomes apparent when a child cries, with sobs sounding higher than usual as well as a little weaker.
Sepsis develops when an infection makes its way into the blood and the condition is often life-threatening without immediate medical attention.
Anyone can suffer with sepsis, but babies under the ages of one are most at risk. Little ones born prematurely or those whose mother had an infection during pregnancy are particularly vulnerable, reports The Mirror.
Sepsis can occur when someone cuts or injures themselves and the wound is not cleaned thoroughly. It cannot spread from one person to another.
Other symptoms include a rash that does not fade when the skin is pressed by glass, with breathing difficulties also a warning sign.
Trouble with breathing will show in the form of grunting noises, their stomach sucking below their ribcage, as well as breathlessness and breathing too fast.
Kids with sepsis may also develop pale or blotchy skin, with slightly blue/grey discolouration on their lips or tongue as well as their palms and the soles of their feet if they have darker skin.
Those infected are often drowsy and struggle to wake up from sleep. A lack of appetite is also a potential warning sign, according to the NHS.
Sepsis sign diffser in young kids compared to older children and adults, the experts explain, with older patients often becoming confused or incoherent, slurring their words when talking.
You should call 999 or visit A&E if you notice any of the symptoms listed above in a child - apart from sleeping or eating difficulties alone.
Children may not experience all the symptoms and instead suffer with a few, the service adds.
Great Ormond Street Hospital said: "If the child has blood poisoning and it is diagnosed and treated quickly they should recover fully without any long-term damage.
"With more severe cases of blood poisoning, the damage to the child’s organs and body tissue may affect them permanently.
"In the most severe cases of blood poisoning, when treatment is too late to correct any damage done to the child’s body, it can be fatal."
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