How can I get ahead of sepsis?
As a patient, specific steps can be taken to reduce your risk of sepsis, including caused by COVID-19, such as:
1 Prevent infections
Talk to your healthcare professional about steps you can take to prevent infections that can lead to sepsis. Some steps include:
Take good care of chronic conditions
Get recommended vaccines
3 Know the signs and symptoms of sepsis
A patient with sepsis might have one or more of the following signs or symptoms:
High heart rate or low blood pressure
Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
Confusion or disorientation
Shortness of breath
Extreme pain or discomfort
Clammy or sweaty skin
A medical assessment by a healthcare professional is needed to confirm sepsis.
4 ACT FAST
Sepsis is a medical emergency. If you or your loved one has an infection that’s not getting better or is getting worse, ACT FAST. Get medical care IMMEDIATELY either in-person, or at minimum, through telehealth services. Ask your healthcare professional, “Could this infection be leading to sepsis?” and if you should go to the emergency room for medical assessment.
Fact Sheet
Four Ways to Get Ahead of Sepsis (Print Only) pdf icon[PDF – 1 page]
Discover the four ways you can get ahead of sepsis.