What is Sepsis?

Sepsis, which was often called “blood poisoning,” is the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Learn more about the symptoms of sepsis, which kills 350,000 adults each year in the United States.

Faces of Sepsis™

Faces of Sepsis™ is a collection of sepsis experiences, as told by sepsis survivors, caregivers, and those who have lost a loved one. Click below to read their stories or submit your own.

Maitreyi Kruthiventy

Survivor

In 2018 towards the end of April I had developed severe pain in my left abdomen ranging from back to front. It was so severe but the doctor ruled it out as urine infection. Even after using medicines the pain wouldn’t go away. After ten days of pure suffering, they found that a large chocolate cyst has filled my left ovary and both of them had to be removed. After the surgery my pain went away but extreme weakness started with no urine output. I was shifted to super speciality hospital which diagnosed septic shock and my kidneys had shut ... Read Full Story

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Eugene Johnson

Survivor, Survivor

I thought it as the flu. I started losing my ability to taste August of 2018 at that time I thought I had a summer cold. I had just gotten a job at KFC and everything was going well until was having dizzy spells and blacking out at work, in the shower, in bed. I thought it maybe low iron soon got iron pills. By mid October I had to quit my job because It took me 3 hours to garner enough energy to walk 10 steps to the bathroom. By late November I was bed ridden and thought it ... Read Full Story

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M. Lee Fleming

Survivor, Survivor, Survivor

Hi, My name is Lee and I’m a dog attack victim and a sepsis and septic shock survivor. I’m also a “DIC” and dry gangrene survivor. I have trouble comprehending why I am so blessed! (Sepsis and Animal Bites, Sepsis and Septic Shock, Sepsis and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) My story began on Christmas Day, 2021 on a normal, daily walk with my wife and my two dogs through our neighborhood park. It was a beautiful, exceptionally warm Christmas in North Carolina when we left the house around 4:00pm. We strolled down through the park toward the water and as ... Read Full Story

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Keith Throop

Survivor, Survivor, Survivor, Survivor

Back in early November 2021, I underwent a transrectal biopsy for prostate cancer that led to complications. After about three days, I was in the emergency room with acute prostatitis and sepsis. (Sepsis and Surgery) Apparently, the usual antibiotics they had given at the time of the procedure (Cipro) failed to work. I spent four days in the hospital and went home feeling much better and taking a different antibiotic (Augmentin). However, after about three more days, I was back in the emergency room again with acute prostatitis and sepsis. This time I spent six days in the hospital, during ... Read Full Story

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Vuyo Ndlovu

Survivor, Survivor, Survivor, Survivor, Survivor

I’m a 40 year old female nurse with 17 years post experience after 4-year nursing course training. My story begins as follows. It was on the 11.01.2022 and I was pregnant approaching end of my 2nd trimester, this was the most precious moment in our life. We were in love since 2002 and this was our second pregnancy, in 2019 I had miscarriage. I woke up feeling okay, but in the morning hours, I started having uncontrolled shivering and my colleagues forced me to visit our occupation health clinic. I agreed and after consultation I went to sleep and rest ... Read Full Story

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Upcoming Events

Sepsis Alliance CareHolders Meeting

December 6, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Date: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 Time: 12 pm ET/9 am PT Description:  Join the Sepsis Alliance team for an interactive, virtual meeting on December 6th. This inaugural Sepsis Alliance CareHolders …

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Sepsis Alliance Connect Presentation: Preventing Readmissions After Sepsis

December 12, 2023 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Date: December 12, 2023 Time: 2 PM ET Description:  When a sepsis patient is discharged after an acute illness, the patient, their loved ones, and their care team might celebrate …

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2023 Sepsis Alliance Symposium: Healthcare-Associated Infections

December 14, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Date: December 14, 2023 Time: 12:00 PM -3:30 PM ET/9:00 AM -12:30 PM PT Description:  Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are the most common complication associated with hospital care and continue to …

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Sepsis News

National Influenza Vaccination Week

December 4, 2023

December 4-8 is National Influenza Vaccination Week. Click the link to learn more about sepsis and influenza.

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International Day of Persons with Disabilities

December 3, 2023

December 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Click the link to learn more about sepsis and amputations.

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World Antimicrobial Awareness Week: November 18-23

November 18, 2023

November 18-23 is World Antimicrobial Awareness Week. Click the link to learn more about sepsis and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

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