Blood poisoning treatment: what to know

Sepsis can begin with infections such as cellulitis, pneumonia, or a urinary tract infection. The infection triggers an excessive body-wide response that can reduce blood flow and interfere with organ function. Chills, fever, marked weakness, or feeling generally unwell can occur, but symptoms vary and may change quickly.

In hospital, clinicians assess breathing, circulation, mental alertness, urine output, and the suspected source of infection. Treatment may include antibiotics, fluids through a vein, oxygen, and medicines to support blood pressure. The infected area may need drainage or another procedure. Monitoring helps the team adjust treatment as your response becomes clearer; do not self-treat suspected sepsis with leftover antibiotics.

Call emergency services immediately for confusion, difficulty breathing, fainting, blue or unusually pale skin, severe drowsiness, or rapidly worsening illness. Seek urgent assessment for a high fever or low temperature with shivering, severe weakness, or a suspected infection that is worsening. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or confused.

Ask which infection is suspected, how treatment will be monitored, whether a procedure is needed to control the source, and what warning signs should prompt a return to hospital.