Sepsis happens when your body overreacts to an infection. Instead of only fighting the infection, the immune system mistakenly goes into overdrive and starts damaging organs and other parts of the body.
That can lead to tissue damage, very low blood pressure, and organ failure. Sepsis is a medical emergency and can become life-threatening very quickly.
It’s also more common than many think. The CDC estimates at least 1.7 million adults and more than 18,000 children in the U.S. develop sepsis each year.
What causes sepsis?
Sepsis can start from any infection, including:
- Pneumonia
- UTIs
- Skin infections
- Infections in the abdomen
- Infected cuts or wounds
- Flu or COVID
“Sometimes even an infection that seems minor can cause sepsis, which is why it can easily catch people off guard,” explains Kevin Broyles, DO, an emergency medicine physician at Carilion Clinic.
Who’s more likely to get sepsis?
Anyone can get sepsis, but it’s more common in:
- Older adults
- Babies and young children
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, or other chronic illnesses
- Pregnant and postpartum women
- People recovering from surgery or hospitalization
Symptoms of sepsis
Sepsis can sometimes look like other illnesses at first. This is why it’s important to pay attention to symptoms and notify your doctor of any sudden or severe changes. Common signs include:
- Fever or low body temperature
- Chills and shaking
- Fast heart rate
- Rapid breathing or feeling short of breath
- Weakness, exhaustion, or difficulty staying awake
- Confusion or seeming dazed
- Clammy or sweaty skin
- Feeling much sicker than expected or like something is “seriously wrong”
“It’s important to note that in people 65 and older, the initial symptoms may be very vague,” says Dr. Broyles. “This may only be weakness or some confusion.”
When to get emergency help
Sepsis can quickly progress to septic shock, the most severe stage. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately if someone suddenly develops symptoms like:
- Trouble breathing
- Confusion
- Severe weakness
- Chest pain
- Pale, blue, or mottled skin
- Difficulty waking up
- Dizziness or fainting
Sepsis can get worse within hours, so getting help quickly matters.
How is sepsis treated?
Sepsis is treated in the hospital. This may include:
- IV antibiotics and fluids
- Oxygen or breathing assistance
- Medicines to support blood pressure
- Surgery to remove damaged tissue
“We also work to find and treat the infection causing the problem,” says Dr. Broyles. “The sooner treatment starts, the better the outcome tends to be.”
Can you prevent sepsis?
Sepsis can’t always be prevented, but you can lower your risk by:
- Maintaining good nutrition
- Treating infections early
- Keeping cuts and wounds clean
- Washing your hands often
- Staying up to date on vaccines
- Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use
- Seeing a doctor if an infection seems to be getting worse
If an illness takes a turn and something feels off, trust your instincts and reach out to your family doctor. If symptoms are severe, visit your nearest emergency department right away.
