What should you know about bacteria that causes sepsis?

Sepsis is not caused by one single bacterium. It can follow infections in the lungs, urinary tract, skin, or other tissues, including pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, or cellulitis. The immune response can become widespread and affect circulation, breathing, alertness, and kidney function. Fever, chills, feeling generally unwell, or generalised weakness may occur, but sepsis can also cause an unusually low temperature. These symptoms do not confirm sepsis, yet a rapid deterioration is a serious warning.

If sepsis is suspected, seek emergency medical assessment rather than waiting for a routine appointment. Tell the clinician about a recent infection, surgery, wound, urinary symptoms, or new medicines. In hospital, treatment may include monitoring, fluids, tests, oxygen when needed, and antibiotics aimed at the likely source. Do not stop prescribed antibiotics early or share them with another person.

Call emergency services for new confusion, difficulty breathing, fainting, cold or mottled skin, severe weakness, very little urine, or a person who is difficult to wake. Urgent assessment is also needed when fever or chills occur with a rapidly worsening infection. Sepsis can progress without a dramatic fever, so trust a clear change from the person’s usual condition.

Ask where the infection may have started, which tests are planned, how treatment will be monitored, and which changes after discharge should prompt immediate help.