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 or dizziness
• 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 you see redness or drainage around where tubes go into your body, or if any tube gets loose or comes out, tell your nurse. Ask when tubes can safely be removed.