Knowing the Signs of Sepsis

In a healthy body, infections from germs like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites are prevented or fought by the immune system. Sometimes, for reasons that researchers still have not figured out, the immune system stops fighting the germs and instead turns on itself, which can lead to sepsis.

Sepsis is the body's overwhelming and toxic response to infection, and kills over 350,000 adults in the U.S. every year.

Just like strokes or heart attacks, sepsis is a medical emergency. Rapid care saves lives and limbs. If you have signs and symptoms of sepsis, seek medical attention immediately!

Who’s at Risk?

Anyone can develop sepsis, but people over 65, under 5, and pregnant or postpartum individuals are at greater risk. People with chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer and kidney disease), people with recent severe illness or hospitalization, and sepsis survivors are also at increased risk.

Reduce the Risk of Sepsis

The best treatment is prevention. To reduce your risk of sepsis infection, be sure to:

• Manage chronic conditions
• Get recommended vaccines
• Wash your hands frequently
• Keep cuts clean and covered until healed

What are the Symptoms?

If you or a loved one has an infection, it’s important to be on the lookout for a combination of sepsis symptoms, and see a provider immediately if you have them. The sooner treatment starts, the better the chances of recovery.

The Sepsis Alliance has adopted the TIME acronym to help remember the symptoms:

T – Temperature:

Any change in your body’s temperature—both high or low—can be a sign of sepsis.

I – Infection:

You may have signs and symptoms around the affected area (such as chest pain for pneumonia), or signs like fever, fatigue, and pain for a generalized infection. Keep in mind that it is possible to have an infection and not know it.

M – Mental decline:

Watch for a sudden change in mental status, such as becoming confused or severely sleepy.

E – Extremely ill:

Sepsis survivors often say that it was the worst, sickest, or most in pain they’d ever felt.

When it comes to sepsis, remember it’s about TIME.

Sepsis Symptoms in Children

Sepsis affects over 25 million children worldwide each year, accounting for more than half of all sepsis cases. More than 18 children die from sepsis each day in the United States. The symptoms in children can differ from those presented in adults.

The following are all signs to look for in children.

• Skin abnormally cold to touch
• Bluish or very pale skin
• Fever
• Rash that does not fade when pressed on
• Very fast or rapid breathing
• Seizures
• Lethargy or difficulty waking up
• Drop in or no urine output

Additionally, in infants, signs of symptoms may include not drinking or feeding, repeated vomiting, and a dry diaper.

How Do You Treat It?

The most common treatments for sepsis are antibiotics and IV fluids.

Typically, a provider will prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics, which are effective against many of the most common bacteria, given intravenously to get into the patient’s system quickly. In addition, IV fluids help to keep the blood pressure at a healthy level, keeping organs functioning properly and to reduce damage from sepsis.

Are there any long-term effects of sepsis?

Many people who survive sepsis recover completely. However, older people and people who suffered more severe sepsis are at the greatest risk of long-term problems. Anyone who has had sepsis has an increased risk of getting sepsis again.

Your body and mind need time to get better. You may experience the following physical symptoms upon returning home: 

• General to extreme weakness and fatigue
• Breathlessness
• General body pains or aches
• Weight loss, lack of appetite
• Dry and itchy skin that may peel
• Brittle nails and/or hair loss

It is not unusual to have the following feelings or experiences once home:

• Flashbacks, bad memories
• Confusing reality (e.g. not sure what is real)
• Anxiety, depression, anger, lack of motivation
• Poor concentration
• Frustration at not being able to do everyday tasks

What is Post-Sepsis Syndrome (PSS)

Post-sepsis syndrome are long-term problems that some people who had severe sepsis experience. These problems may not become apparent for several weeks (post-sepsis):

• Insomnia, difficulty getting to or staying asleep
• Nightmares, vivid hallucinations, panic attacks
• Disabling muscle and joint pains
• Decreased mental (cognitive) abilities
• Loss of self-esteem and self-belief
• Organ dysfunction

When to Seek Help

If you suspect sepsis (you observe two or more of the TIME symptoms), particularly if there has been a recent illness or injury, or you or your child are not improving after an infection, don't wait.

Go to the nearest Emergency Department, Urgent Care, or see your primary care provider immediately and say the words: "I'm concerned about sepsis".

Follow up regularly with your primary care provider. You can schedule an appointment or find a provider by calling 240-215-6310 or visiting frederickhealth.org/PrimaryCare