Sepsis: The signs you should never ignore
Every year, more than 1.7 million Americans develop sepsis—a life-threatening medical emergency where the body’s response to an infection spirals out of control.
Despite how serious it is, one in four Americans have never heard of sepsis or don’t recognize the warning signs until it becomes critical1.
Sepsis can happen to anyone, and it can progress quickly. Knowing what to look for—and when to seek care—can save lives.
Here, Hoag’s Sepsis Program Manager Jodee Lejnieks, MSN, RN, CCRN, explains more about sepsis.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a life-threatening emergency caused by an extreme response to infection. Instead of fighting the infection normally, the immune system triggers widespread inflammation, leakage, and clotting that damages tissues and organs. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to organ failure, shock and death.
Sepsis most often develops from bacterial infections but can also be caused by viral, parasitic or fungal infections. Common sources of infection include:
Lungs (pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19)
Urinary tract (bladder or kidney infection)
Skin (wounds, cellulitis)
Abdomen/digestive system (appendicitis, pancreatitis, gallbladder)
Any infection—even minor—can lead to sepsis.
What are signs and symptoms of sepsis?
In the early stages, the signs and symptoms of sepsis can sometimes look like other illnesses, or be masked by medications, which can make it difficult to recognize. Common warning signs include:
Fever, shivering or feeling very cold (or low body temperature)
High heart rate or weak pulse
Fast breathing or feeling short of breath
Confusion, disorientation or extreme sleepiness
Little or no urine production
Severe pain or discomfort
Pale, cool or clammy skin
Low blood pressure, or feeling dizzy, near-fainting or fainting
In children, symptoms may include unusual irritability, difficulty waking, poor feeding or trouble breathing.
Who is at risk for sepsis?
Anyone who gets an infection can develop sepsis, even young, healthy people. However, certain groups at higher risk for infections are at higher risk for sepsis, including:
People with weakened immune systems
Adults 65+
Infants and young children
Pregnant people
Those on immunosuppressive therapies (e.g., chemotherapy, autoimmune)
People with chronic conditions (e.g., cancer, diabetes, kidney disease)
Individuals recovering from severe illness, surgery or hospitalization
Recent infections, wounds, catheters or invasive procedures or devices also increase risk.
How is sepsis treated?
Sepsis treatment often includes:
Antibiotics
Fluids given through a vein
Oxygen or breathing support
Medication to support blood pressure (if necessary)
Surgery to remove the infection (if necessary)
Close monitoring in the hospital
The earlier the infection is treated, the better the chance of recovery.
What does sepsis recovery look like?
Many people recover from sepsis but may experience physical, mental or emotional effects, such as:
Weakness and fatigue
Physical changes (hair loss, peeling skin, brittle nails)
Insomnia, hallucinations, or poor concentration
Anxiety or depression
Up to 50% of survivors may develop long-term effects (Post-Sepsis Syndrome), including:
Amputation
Severe pain
Mental or physical functional limitations
Permanent organ failure (e.g., dialysis)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
About one-third of survivors are readmitted to the hospital within three months, often due to new infections or worsening chronic conditions.
Can sepsis be prevented?
Sepsis prevention is infection prevention, because sepsis develops only when triggered by infection. Things you can do to lower your risk of sepsis include:
Stay up to date on vaccinations
Practice good hand hygiene
Properly clean and care for wounds
Manage chronic medical conditions
Seek medical care for infections that are worsening or not improving
When should I seek emergency care for sepsis?
Most of the time, sepsis develops at home and can quickly worsen. If you or a loved one has an infection that seems to be getting worse, or they are showing signs of sepsis, seek medical attention right away: Call 911 and say the words, “I am concerned about sepsis.”
Why sepsis expertise matters
Caring for patients with sepsis requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach focused on early recognition, rapid intervention and evidence-based treatment across the continuum of care.
Hoag’s Sepsis Program is designed to provide high-quality care for adult patients through advanced technology, standardized clinical guidelines and collaboration among physicians, nurses, emergency teams, critical care specialists and support staff.
