Home Health ‘Fit and healthy’ 16-year-old footballer dies of sepsis after developing fever on Christmas Day

‘Fit and healthy’ 16-year-old footballer dies of sepsis after developing fever on Christmas Day

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Orla Taylor (pictured), 16, from Turriff in Aberdeenshire, felt unwell during the run-up to the festive period before being rushed to hospital twice between Christmas and New Year.

A “fit and healthy” teenage footballer died from sepsis after she developed a fever on Christmas Day.

Orla Taylor, 16, from Turriff in Aberdeenshire, felt unwell during the run-up to the festive period before being rushed to hospital twice between Christmas and New Year.

The talented footballer, who trained and played for local youth team Turriff United, was diagnosed with the flu which caused a respiratory infection that led to sepsis.

After Orla was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on New Year’s Eve, where doctors put the youngster in a medical coma to try to treat her condition.

Tragically he passed away on the afternoon of New Year’s Day.

In words reported by the Daily logHer father, Scott, said the family “never dreamed for a moment that we would lose her.”

He said: ‘On Hogmanay she was much worse so we called for emergency help. We are incredibly grateful to the nurse practitioner and paramedics who immediately began treating Orla, believing it was sepsis.

Paying tribute to his daughter, Scott said the family will “treasure her memories.”

Orla Taylor (pictured), 16, from Turriff in Aberdeenshire, felt unwell during the run-up to the festive period before being rushed to hospital twice between Christmas and New Year.

Orla, who trained and played for local youth team Turriff United, was a talented footballer. In a tribute, his club said that

Orla, who trained and played for local youth team Turriff United, was a talented footballer. In a tribute, his club said “words cannot describe” how everyone felt.

In words reported by the Daily Record, Orla's father, Scott, said the family

In words reported by the Daily Record, Orla’s father, Scott, said the family “never dreamed for a moment that we would lose her.”

He added that “the weight of pain on everyone is immeasurable.”

Orla had just finished school last summer and was reportedly looking forward to her uniformed service course to join the military.

In a tribute, his club Turriff United said “words cannot describe” how everyone was feeling.

They said: ‘Orla was a vibrant young player who played a huge role in our women’s section over the years. “He had a smile on his face for everyone and a great role model for our younger players.”

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body releases chemicals to fight an infection.

These chemicals damage the body’s own tissues and organs and can cause shock, organ failure, and death.

Organ failure and death are more likely if sepsis is not recognized early and treated immediately.

Sepsis is estimated to infect around 123,000 Britons each year.

Symptoms can resemble those of gastroenteritis or the flu and can quickly become fatal.

The six main signs of something life-threatening can be identified by the acronym ‘SEPSIS’:

  • Difficulty speaking or confusion, lethargy, disorientation.
  • Extreme chills or muscle pain, fever, or low temperature.
  • Pressing on a rash doesn’t make it go away
  • Severe dyspnea, rapid breathing.
  • Inability to urinate for several hours.
  • Mottled or discolored skin

Children may also have convulsions or seizures and a rash that does not go away when pressed, with more than 40 percent of cases occurring in children under five years of age.

Anyone who develops these symptoms should urgently seek medical help and ask doctors: “Could this be sepsis?” The early symptoms of sepsis can be easily confused with milder conditions, making it difficult to diagnose.

A high temperature (fever), chills and chills, a fast heart rate, and rapid breathing are also indicators.

A patient can deteriorate rapidly if sepsis is not detected at an early stage, so prompt diagnosis and treatment are vital; although this rarely happens.

In the early stages, sepsis can be confused with a respiratory infection, flu, or an upset stomach.

It is more common and dangerous in older adults, pregnant women, children under one year old, people with chronic illnesses, or those who have weakened immune systems.

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