Found out 3 yo has bacterial pneumonia today. thought it was virus for 5 days. is that long enough to go untreated to turn septic? i'm very worried

If not treated: A bacterial infection can very quickly cause sepsis if not identified quickly and treated. If your child is alert and eating fairly well and is peeing and pooping normally the chances are low. If your child becomes sleepy or more restless than usual, needs to seen right away.

Depends on variables: It is not unusual for a respiratory virus to eventually lead to a bacterial pneumonia, otitis media or sinusitis. When it does it is usually marked by an obvious change in the kids symptoms.If your doc treated this as an outpatient, as many are, it is not that serious. Sometimes we treat as an inpatient if they are not taking fluids well. I can't recall any pneumonia I've treated going septic.