What is sepsis?
Your body's immune system naturally prevents, identifies and fights against infections.
With sepsis, the body can create a life-threatening immune system overreaction to an infection. If left untreated, sepsis can affect other parts of your body and even lead to death.
Sepsis is a medical emergency. Please seek immediate medical attention.
Any infection can cause sepsis. Sepsis is not contagious, but the infection that caused sepsis may be contagious.
Sepsis frequently starts in the community and is the leading cause of death in hospitals and leading cause for readmission.
Who is at risk for sepsis?
Sepsis can affect anyone, not just those who are at high risk. However, some individuals are more at risk than others including:
- Age (over 65 or under one)
- Recent surgery or hospitalization
- Living in a nursing facility
- Multiple chronic conditions (such as kidney or heart failure, diabetes, sickle cell, COVID, COPD, etc.
- Having implantable devices such as IVs, drains, catheters, etc.
- Weakened immune system (HIV, AIDS, cancer, chronic steroid use, etc.)
- History of sepsis or current infection
- Open wounds, burns, or breaks in the skin
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Pregnancy
What are the most common infections, signs and symptoms that can cause sepsis?
Common infections:
- Pneumonia
- COVID
- Bronchitis
Signs and symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Fast breathing
Common infections:
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
Signs and symptoms:
- Increased urination
- Pain/burning with urination
- Bloody urine
- Not making any urine
Common infections:
- Colitis (colon infection)
- C. Diff (bacteria causing diarrhea infection)
- Pancreatitis (pancreas infection)
Signs and symptoms:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Bowel changes - excessive diarrhea (3+ times per day)
- Nausea or vomiting
Common infections:
- Cellulitis
- Abscess
- Open wounds
- Surgical incisions
Signs and symptoms:
- Skin changes (painful, hot, redness, swelling, new rash)
- Foul-smelling drainage
- Flushed skin
- Cold, clammy skin
Signs and symptoms:
- Body aches, fever, chills
- Extreme headache, neck stiffness
- Fast heart rate
- Mental status changes
- Weakness
Earlier diagnosis of sepsis results in better treatment and outcomes.
How is sepsis diagnosed and treated?
Sepsis isn’t diagnosed by one specific test. Instead, your medical team will rely on many different tools to determine if you are septic.
To help identify and treat sepsis, your provider may order:
- Lab tests
- Cultures
- Images
- Medications and/or antibiotics
When should I call my provider?
If you or your loved ones are concerned that you may be suffering from sepsis, seeking prompt treatment is critical. Here are some key concerns that require immediate treatment if you experience a combination of symptoms.
Use the acronym “T.I.M.E.” to help you remember.
Use the acronym “T.I.M.E.” to help you remember.
T - Temperature changes
Above 101 degrees or less than 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit
I – Infection
Signs and symptoms of infections
M – Mental decline
Confusion, sleepiness, difficulty staying awake, dizziness and weakness
E – Extremely ill
Severe pain, discomfort, shortness of breath, low blood pressure
If you suspect sepsis, call or see your provider urgently, call 911, or go to the emergency department and say, "I am concerned for sepsis."
Are there long-term consequences of sepsis?
- Some people, after being seriously ill with sepsis, may experience long-term impacts and symptoms that affect their ability to function. This is a condition known as post-sepsis syndrome (PSS).
- Worsening of chronic conditions such as COPD, kidney or heart failure, diabetes, etc.
- People with PSS may also experience physical and emotional symptoms, such as panic attacks, depression, memory difficulties, mood swings, nightmares, hair loss, etc.
- Let your provider know if you are experiencing these PSS concerns or if you have any questions
What type of follow-up care is needed after sepsis?
After you are treated for sepsis and leave the hospital, you'll need follow-up care.
- Ensure a follow-up primary care appointment is made within a week of being discharged
- Understand why you are taking certain medications and any dosing changes
- Fill your prescriptions ASAP
- Take all your medications as ordered, even if you feel better
What can I do to reduce my risk of sepsis?
Your involvement is important in preventing infections that can lead to sepsis.
Here are some suggestions to reduce your chances of getting sepsis:
- Touching wounds or open cuts
- Being around others who are sick
- Sharing towels, cups, silverware, or other items with anyone who is sick
- Smoking or drinking alcohol
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds
- Tell others to wash their hands thoroughly, too, before touching you
- Keep your surrounding environment clean
- Eat healthy and stay hydrated
- Stay current on your vaccinations, including your annual flu shot
- Keep all doctor appointments
- If you have a chronic condition or weakened immune system, wear a mask in crowded areas.
- Your activity restrictions
- Diet or fluid recommendations
- Resources available
Sepsis facts
258,000 deaths in the U.S. each year
Americans suffer from sepsis in their lifetime
hospitalization cost
of hospital readmissions
caused by an infection
have heard of or can identify sepsis
of sepsis cases occur outside of the hospital
of sepsis patients are re-hospitalized within 90 days
of sepsis survivors suffer from long-term physical and or psychological effects
of sepsis patient are re-hospitalized within 30 days.