How can I get ahead of sepsis?

Related Pages

1|Prevent infections

Talk to your doctor or nurse about steps you can take to prevent infections that can lead to sepsis.

Sepsis icon chronic

Take good care of chronic conditions

Sepsis vaccines icon

Get recommended vaccines

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2|Practice good hygiene

Sepsis handwashing icon

Remember to wash your hands

Sepsis clean cuts icon

Keep cuts clean and covered until healed

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3|Know the signs and symptoms

Signs

Signs of sepsis that your doctor or nurse can measure include any of the following:

High heart rate

High heart rate

Fever shivering icon

Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold

Symptoms

Symptoms of sepsis that you might experience can include a combination of any of the following:

Confusion or disorientation

Confusion or disorientation

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath

Extreme pain or discomfort image

Extreme pain or discomfort

Sepsis clammy icon

Clammy or sweaty skin

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4|Act fast

Get medical care IMMEDIATELY if you suspect sepsis or have an infection that’s not getting better or is getting worse.

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Fact Sheet
Four ways to get ahead brochure

Four Ways to Get Ahead of Sepsis (Print Only) Cdc-pdf[PDF – 1 page]

Discover the four ways you can get ahead of sepsis.

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Page last reviewed: September 27, 2017
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion (DHQP)