What is sepsis?
Know the Risks. Spot the Signs. Act Fast.
Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It is a life-threatening medical emergency. Sepsis happens when an infection you already have triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
Almost any type of infection can lead to sepsis. Infections that lead to sepsis most often start in the lung, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal tract.
You can’t spread sepsis to other people. However, an infection can lead to sepsis, and you can spread some infections to other people. Bacterial infections cause most cases of sepsis. Sepsis can also be a result of other infections, including viral infections, such as COVID-19 or influenza.
What causes sepsis?
When germs get into a person’s body, they can cause an infection. If you don’t stop that infection, it can cause sepsis.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can get an infection, and almost any infection can lead to sepsis. Some people are at higher risk:
Adults 65 or older
People with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease
People with weakened immune systems
Sepsis survivors
Children younger than one
What are the signs & symptoms?
A patient with sepsis might have one or more of the following signs or symptoms:
High heart rate or low blood pressure
Confusion or disorientation
Extreme pain or discomfort
Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
Shortness of breath
Clammy or sweaty skin
I think I might have sepsis. What should I do?
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.
If you have a medical emergency, call 911. If you have or think you have sepsis, tell the operator. If you have or think you have COVID-19, tell the operator this as well. If possible, put on a mask before medical help arrives.
