How common is fever in sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection that can affect the whole body and interfere with organ function. Fever may occur with shivering, sweating, fast breathing, a fast heartbeat, severe weakness, or feeling suddenly much worse. However, temperature alone cannot diagnose sepsis, and some people have a low temperature instead of fever.

The source of infection may be in the lungs, urinary system, skin, abdomen, or elsewhere. Risk can be higher in babies, older adults, pregnant people, and those with reduced immunity or serious long-term illness. A person can become critically unwell even when the original infection seemed minor.

If fever occurs with rapid deterioration, confusion, severe weakness, breathing changes, or very little urine, seek emergency help immediately. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or confused. Tell responders about the fever, suspected infection, medicines, and when the change began. While waiting, stay with the person, keep them safe, and follow the emergency operator’s instructions.

Fever medicine may make someone more comfortable but does not treat sepsis. Do not delay urgent assessment to see whether the temperature falls.

Call emergency services for new confusion, difficulty waking, severe breathlessness, blue or mottled skin, fainting, clammy skin, seizures, inability to keep fluids down, or a sudden marked decline. Urgent help is also needed for a baby or vulnerable adult with fever, unusual sleepiness, poor feeding, or reduced urine.

After urgent assessment, ask what infection may be involved, which warning signs to monitor, how medicines should be taken, and when follow-up is required.