Patient Education – Sepsis

What It Is

Sepsis is a serious condition that happens when your body’s response to an infection causes swelling and damage throughout your body. This can lead to organ problems or even death if not treated quickly.

Causes and Risk Factors

Sepsis happens because of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. The infection can start anywhere in your body, like the lungs, bladder, skin, or stomach.

You are more at risk if you:

• Are very young or very old
  
  

• Have a weak immune system (due to illness or medicines)
  
  

• Have chronic illnesses like diabetes or kidney disease
  
  

• Have wounds, burns, or invasive devices like catheters
  
  

• Are hospitalized or recently had surgery
  
  

• Use alcohol or drugs heavily
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

Early warning signs include:

• Fever, chills, or feeling very cold
  
  

• Fast heartbeat or fast breathing
  
  

• Confusion or trouble staying awake
  
  

• Extreme weakness or feeling very tired
  
  

• Severe pain or discomfort
  
  

Other symptoms may include:

• Low blood pressure (feeling dizzy or faint)
  
  

• Decreased urine output
  
  

• Pale or discolored skin
  
  

• Shortness of breath
  
  

Complications If Untreated or Noncompliance

If sepsis is not treated quickly:

• Organs like the heart, lungs, kidneys, or liver can fail
  
  

• You can go into septic shock, with very low blood pressure
  
  

• You might need machines to help you breathe or support your heart
  
  

• It can cause death
  
  

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

Sepsis requires emergency treatment in the hospital. Treatment includes:

• Antibiotics or other medicines to fight infection
  
  

• Fluids given through an IV to keep blood pressure up
  
  

• Oxygen or breathing support if needed
  
  

• Medicines to support blood pressure and organ function
  
  

Self-care after sepsis:

• Take all prescribed medicines exactly as told
  
  

• Complete the full course of antibiotics
  
  

• Rest and eat healthy to help your body heal
  
  

• Keep follow-up doctor visits
  
  

• Report any new symptoms or concerns immediately
  
  

Common Types of Medications

• Antibiotics to kill bacteria (side effects: upset stomach, diarrhea, allergic reactions)
  
  

• Antivirals or antifungals if caused by viruses or fungi
  
  

• Vasopressors to raise blood pressure in septic shock (given in hospital)
  
  

• Pain relievers and fever reducers
  
  

Dietary Needs

• Eat balanced meals with protein, fruits, and vegetables to help healing
  
  

• Stay hydrated with water or fluids unless your doctor advises otherwise
  
  

• Avoid alcohol and smoking during recovery
  
  

Lifestyle Changes

• Practice good hygiene to avoid infections (handwashing, wound care)
  
  

• Keep vaccinations up to date (flu, pneumonia, COVID-19)
  
  

• Manage chronic illnesses well
  
  

• Avoid risky behaviors that cause infections
  
  

Safety Considerations

• Take care of cuts, wounds, and infections quickly
  
  

• Know early warning signs of sepsis
  
  

• Use medical devices carefully and keep them clean
  
  

• Keep emergency contacts available
  
  

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

• Get vaccines recommended by your doctor
  
  

• Practice good infection control at home and work
  
  

• Keep chronic diseases under control
  
  

• Seek medical care quickly if you suspect an infection
  
  

When to Call for Help

Call your Home Health Agency or Doctor if you have:

• Fever with chills or shaking
  
  

• New confusion or difficulty staying awake
  
  

• Fast heartbeat or breathing
  
  

• Severe pain or discomfort
  
  

• Redness, swelling, or pus from a wound or catheter site
  
  

• Feeling very weak or dizzy
  
  

Go to the Emergency Room or Call 911 if you have:

• Trouble breathing
  
  

• Chest pain
  
  

• Severe confusion or unable to wake up
  
  

• Very low blood pressure (feeling faint or dizzy)
  
  

• Blue or pale skin
  
  

• Little or no urine output
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Choose True or False for each statement. Correct any false statements.

1. True or False: Sepsis is your body’s strong response to an infection.
   
   

2. True or False: Sepsis can cause organ failure if not treated.
   
   

3. True or False: Only bacterial infections cause sepsis.
   
   

4. True or False: Fever and chills can be early signs of sepsis.
   
   

5. True or False: Confusion is not a sign of sepsis.
   
   

6. True or False: You should finish all antibiotics even if you feel better.
   
   

7. True or False: Sepsis is not life-threatening.
   
   

8. True or False: You should call your doctor if you have fast breathing and a fever.
   
   

9. True or False: Sepsis can cause low blood pressure.
   
   

10. True or False: Drinking alcohol helps prevent sepsis.
    
    

11. True or False: Handwashing helps prevent infections that can cause sepsis.
    
    

12. True or False: You should keep wounds clean to avoid infections.
    
    

13. True or False: Sepsis can happen to people of all ages.
    
    

14. True or False: Only people in hospitals can get sepsis.
    
    

15. True or False: You should seek emergency care if you have severe chest pain and fever.
    
    

16. True or False: Taking all your medicines as prescribed helps prevent complications.
    
    

17. True or False: You can stop antibiotics as soon as you feel better.
    
    

18. True or False: Vaccines do not help prevent infections that cause sepsis.
    
    

19. True or False: Feeling very tired and weak can be a sign of sepsis.
    
    

20. True or False: Early treatment of infections can prevent sepsis.
    
    

Individualized Questions for Patients

• What infection caused your sepsis?
  
  

• What medicines are you taking to treat it?
  
  

• Have you noticed any new symptoms since treatment started?
  
  

• How often do you check your temperature and symptoms?
  
  

• Do you have any questions about your medicines or side effects?
  
  

• Have you had recent vaccinations?
  
  

• What steps do you take to keep wounds clean?
  
  

• How do you feel your energy level now compared to before sepsis?
  
  

• Have you had any difficulty breathing or chest pain?
  
  

• What signs would make you call your doctor or go to the hospital?