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

Sponsored Webinar: More Secrets of the CBC…Use the Diff to Make a Diff!

April 30, 2024 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Date: April 30, 2024 Time: 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET / 11:00 am – 12:00 pm PT Description:  In this follow-up to the 2023 webinar, sponsored by Beckman Coulter, take …

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Sepsis Alliance Connect Presentation: What Can Recreational Therapy Teach Us About Managing Symptoms Common to Sepsis Survivors and Their Loved Ones?

April 30, 2024 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Date: April 30, 2024 Time: 2 PM ET Description:  Recreational therapy is a type of therapy that uses leisure activities to support physical and mental/emotional healing in people with illnesses …

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Sepsis Alliance Symposium: Maternal and Neonatal Sepsis

May 16, 2024 | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Date: May 16, 2024 Time: 12 pm – 4 pm EST / 9 am – 1 pm PT Description:  This FREE, virtual event will cover critical topics related to maternal …

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Sepsis News

Pediatric Sepsis Week: April 21-27

April 21, 2024

April 21-27 is Pediatric Sepsis Week. Learn more about pediatric sepsis by clicking the link below.

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Sepsis Alliance Applauds Reintroduction of Lulu’s Law in Advance of Pediatric Sepsis Week

April 18, 2024

The bipartisan bill, named for a four-year-old who was lost to sepsis, will enable the U.S. to tackle a condition that takes the lives of nearly 20 children each day. …

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Black Maternal Health Week: April 11-17

April 11, 2024

April 11-17 is Black Maternal Health Week. Learn more about sepsis and maternal health by clicking the link below.

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