Sepsis: the signs to know
In short: sepsis is the body's extreme reaction to an infection, and it's a medical emergency. If someone with an infection gets suddenly much worse, call 911 or your local emergency number and say "I'm worried about sepsis."
What sepsis is
Sepsis happens when the body's response to an infection starts damaging its own tissues and organs. It can start from any infection, such as a chest, urine, skin or stomach infection. Without fast treatment, it can lead to organ failure and death.
Who is most at risk
- Adults 65 and older, and babies under 1
- People with long-term conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, kidney disease or cancer
- People with a weakened immune system
- People who have recently been in hospital or had surgery
- Anyone who has had sepsis before
Warning signs
Sepsis can show up as a combination of:
- Confusion or disorientation, or being very drowsy
- Shortness of breath or fast breathing
- A high heart rate
- Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
- Extreme pain or discomfort
- Clammy, sweaty, pale or blotchy skin
- Passing much less urine than usual
What to do
Get emergency care straight away if you or someone else has an infection, or a wound that isn't healing, and shows any of these signs, or is getting worse quickly. Ask the medical team, "Could this be sepsis?"
Prevention
- Keep up to date with vaccines, such as flu, pneumonia and COVID-19, as advised.
- Clean cuts and wounds, and keep them covered until healed.
- Wash your hands often.
- Get infections treated, and seek help if they're not getting better.
Sources
- CDC: About sepsis
- NIGMS (NIH): Sepsis
- MedlinePlus: Sepsis