Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that happens when the body overreacts to an infection. It affects millions of people every year, and many cases are preventable with early action. Worldwide, sepsis is a huge problem. Each year, an estimated 49 million people are affected, and about 11 million die from it (World Health Organisation, 2024).
What Is Sepsis?
Sepsis is a dangerous reaction to an infection. When germs enter the body—through the lungs, bladder, skin, or bloodstream—the immune system usually fights them off. But in sepsis, the immune system becomes too active and begins to damage the body’s own tissues and organs (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). This can cause low blood pressure, organ failure, and even death if treatment is not started quickly.
Sepsis is a medical emergency, similar in seriousness to a heart attack or stroke. The faster someone gets treatment, the higher their chance of surviving (Mayo Clinic, 2024).
How Sepsis Starts
Sepsis usually begins with a common infection. It can come from:
- Pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin infections
- Infected wounds
- Infected IV lines or catheters
Anyone can get sepsis, but some people have a higher risk. These groups include:
- Older adults
- Babies and young children
- People with chronic illnesses
- People with weakened immune systems
- People recovering from surgery
Research shows that early detection and rapid treatment greatly reduce the risk of severe complications or death (Evans et al., 2021).
How to Spot Sepsis Early
Sepsis does not always look the same in every person. However, there are common warning signs that require immediate medical attention. These may include:
- Confusion or acting differently
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling faint or very unwell
- Fever, chills, or a very low temperature
- Severe pain, especially in one area
- A wound that looks infected
If someone has an infection and suddenly gets worse, it is important to take it seriously. The safest step is to call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital right away.
Why Early Action Matters
Sepsis moves quickly. Within hours, a person can go from feeling mildly sick to having organ failure. Hospitals follow strict procedures to treat sepsis fast. These include:
- Blood tests
- IV antibiotics
- IV fluids
- Oxygen
- Close monitoring
Evidence shows that giving antibiotics within the first hour increases survival (Evans et al., 2021). This is why experts recommend telling health-care staff, “I’m worried about sepsis.”
How to Prevent Sepsis
Most cases of sepsis start with infections, so preventing infections is the most important step. Health organisations across Ontario emphasise infection prevention and early recognition as key responsibilities for nurses and care teams (College of Nurses of Ontario [CNO], 2023; Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario [RNAO], 2024).
Here are the most effective ways to prevent infection:
1. Wash Hands Properly
Handwashing with soap and water removes germs before they cause infection. This is especially important after using the bathroom, before eating, and when caring for wounds.
2. Keep Wounds Clean
Cuts, scrapes, and surgical incisions should be cleaned and covered. Signs of infection—redness, swelling, pus, or increasing pain—should be checked by a professional.
3. Follow Care Instructions for Medical Devices
Catheters, IVs, feeding tubes, and drains must be kept clean. Improper care increases the risk of dangerous infections.
4. Stay Up to Date on Vaccines
Vaccines prevent illnesses like pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19, which are major causes of sepsis (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).
5. Manage Chronic Health Conditions
People with diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease, or other long-term illnesses have higher infection risks. Regular medical care helps prevent complications.
If You Suspect Sepsis
If someone has an infection and shows warning signs of sepsis, call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital. Once at the hospital, health-care workers may:
- Give antibiotics quickly
- Provide IV fluids
- Offer oxygen
- Check blood pressure and organ function
- Run blood tests and imaging
Fast treatment saves lives.
… experts recommend telling health-care staff, “I’m worried about sepsis.”
Life After Sepsis: What Recovery Can Look Like
Surviving sepsis is the first step—but recovery can take time. Some people heal quickly, while others develop long-term effects known as Post-Sepsis Syndrome (Prescott & Angus, 2018).
Common issues after sepsis include:
- Tiredness and weakness
- Trouble sleeping
- Memory problems or difficulty thinking
- Mood changes or anxiety
- Pain, numbness, or nerve problems
- Higher risk of future infections
Rehabilitation—like physiotherapy, counselling, or occupational therapy—can help. Family support also plays a major role in recovery. Follow-up care improves long-term outcomes (Needham et al., 2012).
Quick Action to Prevent Sepsis
To prevent infection, it’s important to wash your hands frequently, clean any wounds properly, and follow the care instructions for medical devices. Protecting yourself is also crucial; make sure you stay vaccinated and manage any chronic illnesses you may have. Be vigilant in recognising the signs of potential health issues, which may include confusion, trouble breathing, a fast heartbeat, fever or chills, and severe pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, act fast by calling emergency services and informing the staff that you’re concerned about sepsis. As you support your recovery, remember to expect a slow healing process, and don’t hesitate to seek help for any physical or emotional symptoms that may arise during this time.
Conclusion
Sepsis is dangerous, but many cases can be prevented. By keeping infections away, recognising symptoms early, and getting fast treatment, people can protect themselves and their loved ones. Nurses and care teams play a vital role, but everyone has a part in preventing sepsis. The bottom line is simple: early action saves lives.
References
Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Sepsis: Symptoms, causes & treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12345-sepsis
College of Nurses of Ontario. (2023). Infection prevention and control standards. https://www.cno.org/en
Evans, L., Rhodes, A., Alhazzani, W., et al. (2021). Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International guidelines for management of sepsis and septic shock 2021. Critical Care Medicine, 49(11), e1063–e1143. https://journals.lww.com
Mayo Clinic. (2024). Sepsis: Symptoms & causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sepsis
Needham, D. M., Davidson, J., Cohen, H., et al. (2012). Improving long-term outcomes after sepsis. Critical Care, 16(2), R48. https://ccforum.biomedcentral.com
Prescott, H. C., & Angus, D. C. (2018). Postsepsis morbidity. Critical Care, 22, 8. https://ccforum.biomedcentral.com
Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. (2024). Best practices: Infection prevention and early sepsis recognition. https://rnao.ca
World Health Organization. (2024, May 3). Sepsis. https://www.who.int/health-topics/sepsis
