Sepsis

Know the Signs and Act Fast

Sepsis is a life-threatening emergency that happens because of an infection. For example, this could be an infection in your skin from a surgical wound or in your urinary tract from a catheter. Without treatment, sepsis can cause organ damage or even death.

When you get any type of infection, your immune system works to fight it. Sepsis happens when your immune system overreacts and hurts your own body. Emergency care can usually help, but treatment must happen quickly.

Know the Signs 

Act fast if you think you have sepsis. If you have any of these symptoms or an infection that’s not getting better, tell your healthcare team right away or call 911 from home. Symptoms include:

• low blood pressure 
• fever, shivering or feeling very cold
• confusion
• shortness of breath 
• fast heartbeat 
• extreme pain or discomfort
• clammy or sweaty skin

Prevent Infection to Avoid Sepsis

Practice good hygiene during your hospital stay and at home to prevent sepsis:

• Clean hands regularly—Wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer throughout the day. Make sure everyone cleans their hands before touching you. 
• Keep wounds clean and covered—Let your nurse know if bandages get loose or wet. And don’t let visitors touch your wound.
• Pay attention to tubes—If any tube gets loose or comes out, tell your nurse. Ask that the tubes be removed as soon as possible.
  

How to Treat Sepsis

If you have sepsis, your doctor will give you antibiotics for the infection. You may also get oxygen, intravenous (IV) fluids or blood pressure medicine. If you have organ failure because of sepsis, you will need care to keep your organs working, like dialysis for your kidneys or breathing tubes for your lungs. 

Remember—recognizing sepsis early and getting treatment right away gives you the best chance of recovery.