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.

Matthew Sucese

Survivor

About a couple weeks ago (currently the 17th of July) I was sent to the ER to find out I had a 8MM kidney stone, after blood work they had taken a different tone. I wasn’t aware I had sepsis until the second day in the hospital, they wanted to keep me calm until I had my surgeries. (Sepsis and Kidney Stones) My nurses and doctors were fantastic I am incredibly thankful they were so attentive and so kind when I was at my worst. I was told that if I waited a day it would have been fatal, I ... Read Full Story

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Michael Lathon

Survivor, Survivor

I started having continuous UTIs in the last week of January 2022. (Sepsis and Urinary Tract Infections) After every hospital stay I would get another one in about 7 days. After multiple trips to the hospital I developed sepsis and Covid but no one could figure out why. I was then placed on a super drug that killed the infection but also killed my good bacteria. I was then sent home with a PICC line in my arm to do my own IV for another month of treatment. After that I developed the septic rash and a huge posterior neck ... Read Full Story

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Keith Throop

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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Juan Carlos Montanez

Survivor, Survivor, Survivor, Tribute

I met my husband Juan in 2012 we were married in 2013. I knew he was diabetic because he shared that with me. He also had a few toes amputated on his feet due to his diabetes. (Sepsis and Diabetes, Sepsis and Amputations) Our entire marriage I always made sure he took care of himself and didn’t do too much of anything due to how sensitive his feet were from getting diabetic ulcers feet. Juan was very good at hiding the problem. Through the years I learned on what to look for and how to know something was wrong. Juan ... Read Full Story

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Jay Venom

Survivor, Survivor, Survivor, Tribute, Survivor

I was at the severe sepsis stage when I was hospitalized, I wasn’t aware I had sepsis. I ignored the symptoms and thought it was a mild case of food poisoning. As days went by my symptoms worsened. I’m so grateful everyday for allowing me to beat this, and I,m so glad I was able to find Sepsis Alliance online! I became more educated about what sepsis is more than I was when I was inpatient. Now I don’t feel alone knowing there are other survivors like me. Read Full Story

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Upcoming Events

Webinar: Navigating SEP-1 and HVBP: A Comprehensive Guide to Readiness and Compliance

October 10, 2023 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Date: October 10, 2023 Time: 3:00 – 4:00 pm ET / 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm PT Description:  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently finalized the inclusion …

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Sepsis Alliance Connect Presentation: Infection Prevention for Immunocompromised People

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

Date: October 12, 2023 Time: 2 pm ET Description:  Close to 7 million people in the United States have immune systems that don’t work well or at all. These people can get …

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Sepsis Alliance Connect Presentation: Storytelling with a Purpose

October 24, 2023 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Date: October 24, 2023 Time: 1 pm ET Description:  A personal experience with sepsis can be a life-altering experience for both survivors and loved ones. Many of these people develop a …

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Sepsis News

National Dental Hygiene Month

October 1, 2023

October is National Dental Hygiene Month. Learn more about sepsis and dental health by clicking the link below.

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Sepsis Alliance Partners with The National Minority Health Association to Strengthen Reach this Sepsis Awareness Month

September 28, 2023

Sepsis Alliance is pleased to partner with The National Minority Health Association (NMHA) to share the newly launched Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog sepsis resources. The NMHA will also be sharing …

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World Patient Safety Day

September 17, 2023

September 17 is World Patient Safety Day, and this year’s theme is “Medication Safety”. Learn more about how antimicrobial resistance affects patient safety at the link below.

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