What is Sepsis?

Sepsis 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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Kimberly Emanuel

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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Duane Hodgin

Survivor, Survivor, Survivor

At the age of 55, I contracted sepsis after rotator cuff surgery. Within a week of the surgery, a large, red, nodule developed on my shoulder. (Sepsis and Surgery) I went to my family doctor who had me immediately admitted to the hospital where tests determined I had sepsis. An infectious disease doctor was called to examine me. He said I was fortunate I got to the hospital when I did. I was treated with Lilly Pharmaceutical’s most powerful drug at the time. After four days on IV drips, I was sent home but had to continue daily IV treatment ... Read Full Story

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Robert Helton

Survivor, Survivor, Survivor, Survivor

In February 2021 I received care from a neighborhood physician’s assistant for a hangnail that had become infected. After having the infection drained, I was prescribed an antibiotic. Two weeks later I became ill with severe diarrhea and returned to the same office. (Sepsis and Bacterial Infections) I was prescribed Cipro and Flagyl for potential diverticulitis and my symptoms subsided. Another two weeks passed and again, I was sick again with the same symptoms and visited my primary care physician and was again prescribed Cipro and Flagyl and the physician’s assistant also ordered a CT scan that later revealed irritation ... 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

CE Webinar: Sepsis Risks and Clinical Considerations in Pediatric Patients with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

April 20, 2023 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Date: April 20, 2023 Time: 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET / 11:00 am – 12:00 pm PT Description:  Having an intellectual disability puts many children at higher risk of sepsis. It …

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Sepsis Alliance AMR Conference

April 26, 2023 | 10:30 am - 4:30 pm

Event Description: Sepsis and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are closely and challengingly linked. Broad-spectrum antimicrobials are often the first line of defense in treating patients with sepsis, but limiting unnecessary antimicrobial …

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CE Webinar: Maternal Sepsis: Epidemiology, Early Detection, and Equity Considerations

May 18, 2023 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Date: May 18, 2023 Time: 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET / 11:00 am – 12:00 pm PT Description:  Sepsis in labor and postpartum is a leading cause of maternal morbidity …

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Sepsis News

World Oral Health Day

March 20, 2023

March 20th is World Oral Health Day. Learn more about sepsis and oral health by clicking below.

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Patient Safety Awareness Week

March 12, 2023

March 12th – 18th is Patient Safety Awareness Week. Access resources for healthcare professionals, to improve your sepsis care.

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World Kidney Day

March 9, 2023

March 9th is World Kidney Day. Learn more about sepsis and kidney disease by clicking below.

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