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Sepsis
Know the Signs and Act Fast
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.
Sepsis is a life-threatening emergency that happens because of an infection in your blood. It usually starts with an infection somewhere else in your body—like in your urinary tract if you’re using a catheter or in a surgical wound. Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can lead to sepsis if your immune system overreacts to them and attacks your own body. Without medical care, sepsis can cause organ damage or even death. Emergency treatment can help, but it must begin quickly. Warning Signs Quick action is required if you have sepsis. For every hour treatment is delayed, the chances of dying from sepsis go up. If you have any of the symptoms below or an infection that isn’t getting better, notify your healthcare team right away (or call 911 if you have already left the hospital).
Low blood pressure or dizziness Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold Confusion Shortness of breath or breathing fast Rapid heartbeat Extreme pain or discomfort Clammy or sweaty skin
Treating Sepsis Scan the code for more detailed information on how your healthcare team supports
healing from sepsis.
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