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.

Keith Throop

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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Matthew Sucese

Survivor, 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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Charla Martinez

Survivor, Survivor, Survivor

I’m 23 years old and I am a postpartum sepsis survivor. (Sepsis and Pregnancy & Childbirth) I was a first time mom and had a healthy pregnancy throughout, although I did find out mid pregnancy that I had strep B. (Sepsis and Group B Streptococcus) My former OBGYN let me know some women just have it in their body and it could be treated with antibiotics so I didn’t think much of it. I ended up switching providers and they never really followed up with it. Right before going in to get my c-section, I got tested for COVID, to ... Read Full Story

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Mark Roberts

Survivor, Survivor, Survivor, Survivor

My experience started Christmas day 2022. felt like I had a virus, giddy, achy, fast pulse and stomach pain/bloating. Managed few mouthfuls of dinner, went to accident and emergency and waited 13hrs. Despite obs several times, nothing was picked up. Went home early hours Boxing Day, started vomiting bile. Apparently I was grey in colour, managed to get back to hospital and got seen very quickly. They diagnosed after tests that I had bowel blockage and sepsis. Had emergency surgery on Boxing Day night. I remember not till coming around 4 days later. I had apparently been in induced coma, ... Read Full Story

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Kimberly Emanuel

Survivor, Survivor, Survivor, Survivor, Survivor

January 7th began with a sigh of relief. I had made it to 2nd semester and no one in my home was affected by COVID. At that point, this was a major accomplishment and I felt all of our precautions were successful. My husband noticed that my responses this particular evening were off. He found my answers odd and I seemed distracted. Following his instincts, he called 911. The operator asked him to ask me my name. I was able to muster the first syllable before losing consciousness. Within an hour of arriving at the hospital, I was placed on ... 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

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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Sepsis Alliance Releases Groundbreaking New Report to Mark World Antimicrobial Awareness Week

November 17, 2023

Sepsis Alliance is pleased to release a new survey report: The Healthcare C-Suite AMR Market Report: What Executives Think About Rising Risks of Superbugs and the Next Pandemic, in honor …

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Bladder Health Month

November 1, 2023

November is Bladder Health Month. Learn about sepsis and bladder health by clicking the link below.

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