What is Sepsis?

Sepsis, which was often called “blood poisoning,” is a life-threatening emergency that happens when your body’s response to an infection damages vital organs and, often, causes 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.

Austin Horsley

Survivor

I was driving home from work, and I got hit by an instant bad feeling. I thought I just had a cold of some sorts. I took NyQuil and tried to sleep it off. I woke up at 1 am and felt completely delusional. I was convulsing from my fever. I drove myself to the emergency room in a snow storm only to collapse in the waiting room. By the time I woke up, I was admitted into the hospital with a temperature of 106.2. My body had been fried by the fever. Luckily I went in when I did. ... Read Full Story

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Jay Venom

Survivor, 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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Robert Helton

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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Duane Hodgin

Survivor, 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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Promise Selepe

Survivor, Survivor, Survivor, Survivor, Tribute

Blessing was only 6 months when she started being sick. She was irritated and crying nonstop. We went to a general practitioner and she said she was teething. We went home later that night. When I was changing her diaper, I noticed her right leg was swollen I thought it’s nothing serious. I thought it was swollen because of the measles vaccine she got. The following day I noticed she was getting worse so we decided to take her to the local clinic where they sent us to the local hospital. When we got the hospital, while waiting to the ... Read Full Story

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Upcoming Events

Sepsis Alliance Voices Advocacy Training: Making an Appropriations Request

March 19, 2024 | 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Date: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Time: 2:00 – 2:30 pm ET/11:00 – 11:30 am PT Description:  Congress is currently deciding what projects and initiatives will receive federal funding for the …

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Webinar: Safeguarding Students Part 2 – Raising Awareness of Sepsis in Schools and Integrating Post-Sepsis Support

March 21, 2024 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024 Time: 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET/11:00 – 12:00 pm PT Description:  Sepsis affects more than 50 million people worldwide each year, and almost half are …

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Sponsored Webinar: Improving SEP-1 Fluid Resuscitation Compliance Through Nurse-Driven Protocols

March 27, 2024 | 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Date: March 27, 2024 Time: 2:00 – 2:30 pm ET / 11:00 am – 11:30 am PT Description:  In this sponsored webinar, Morgan Swearingin, MSN-Ed, RN, CCRN, will discuss the …

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Sepsis News

World Kidney Day

March 14, 2024

March 14 is World Kidney Day. Learn more about sepsis and kidney health by clicking the link below.

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Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March 1, 2024

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Learn more about sepsis and developmental disabilities by clicking the link below.

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World Cancer Day

February 4, 2024

February 4 is World Cancer Day. Learn more about sepsis and cancer by clicking the link below.

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