Sepsis Materials

HOW CAN I GET AHEAD OF SEPSIS?

F O R PATI E NT S A N D FA M I LI E S

1. Talk to your doctor or nurse about steps you can take
to prevent infections. Some steps include taking good
care of chronic conditions and getting recommended
vaccines.
2. Practice good hygiene, such as handwashing, and
keeping cuts clean until healed.
3. Know the symptoms of sepsis.
4. ACT FAST. Get medical care IMMEDIATELY if you
suspect sepsis or have an infection that’s not getting
better or is getting worse.

Always remember, sepsis is a medical emergency.
Time matters. If you or your loved one suspects
sepsis or has an infection that’s not getting better
or is getting worse, ask your doctor or nurse,
“Could this infection be leading to sepsis?”

To learn more about sepsis and how to prevent infections,
visit www.cdc.gov/sepsis.

This project has been funded in whole or in
part with Federal funds from the National
Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious
Diseases (NCEZID), Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), Department
of Health and Human Services (HHS), under
Contract No. 200-2016-F-90343.

·

IT’S TIME TO TALK
ABOUT SEPSIS.
Infections put you and your family at risk for
a life-threatening condition called sepsis.

More than 1.5 million people
get sepsis each year in the U.S.
At least 250,000 Americans
die from sepsis each year.

WHAT IS SEPSIS?
Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection.
It is life-threatening, and without timely treatment,
sepsis can rapidly cause tissue damage, organ failure,
and death.
Sepsis happens when an infection you already have—
in your skin, lungs, urinary tract or somewhere else—
triggers a chain reaction throughout your body.

WHAT CAUSES SEPSIS?
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
There is no single symptom of sepsis. Symptoms of sepsis
can include a combination of any of the following:

When germs get into a person’s body, they
can cause an infection. If that infection isn’t stopped,
it can cause sepsis.

WHO IS AT RISK?
?

?

Anyone can get an infection, and almost any
infection can lead to sepsis. Certain people are at
higher risk:

?

?

•
•
CONFUSION OR
DISORIENTATION

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

HIGH HEART RATE

FEVER, OR SHIVERING,
OR FEELING VERY COLD

EXTREME PAIN OR
DISCOMFORT

CLAMMY OR
SWEATY SKIN

Adults 65 or older
People with chronic conditions, such as diabetes,
lung disease, cancer and kidney disease
• People with weakened immune systems
• Children younger than one
The most frequently identified germs that cause
infections that can develop into sepsis include
Staphylococcus aureus (staph), Escherichia coli (E.
coli), and some types of Streptococcus (strep).

F O R PATI E NTS A N D FA M I LI E S

START THE
CONVERSATION TODAY.
Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It is
life-threatening, and without timely treatment, sepsis can
rapidly cause tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

Below are questions and answers you can use to start a
conversation with your doctor or nurse.

“I want to keep my family safe.
How can I protect them from sepsis?”
• Talk to your doctor or nurse about steps you can take to
prevent infections. Some steps include taking good care
of chronic conditions and getting recommended vaccines.

• Practice good hygiene, such as handwashing, and
keeping cuts clean until healed.

• Know the symptoms of sepsis.
• ACT FAST. Get medical care IMMEDIATELY if you suspect
sepsis or have an infection that’s not getting better or is
getting worse.

“My elderly father has diabetes. Could he be at higher risk
for infections that can lead to sepsis?”
Anyone can get an infection, and almost any infection can lead to sepsis.
People with chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and
kidney disease are at higher risk of developing infections that can lead to
sepsis. Sepsis almost more commonly occurs in:

• Adults 65 or older
• People with weakened immune systems
• Children younger than one

“I have an infection that doesn’t seem to be getting any better. I am concerned this
could be leading to sepsis. What can I do to make sure this does not happen?”
Always remember, sepsis is a medical emergency. Act fast.
Get medical care immediately if you suspect sepsis or have
an infection that’s not getting better or is getting worse.

If you or your loved one suspects
sepsis or has an infection that’s not
getting better or is getting worse,
ask your doctor or nurse, “Could this
infection be leading to sepsis?”

“My 6-month-old son had a low-grade fever and cough yesterday.
But, today, he is not alert, is making fewer wet diapers, and is having
difficulty breathing. Could this be leading to sepsis?”
Talk to your doctor or nurse and ask if this could be leading to sepsis.
There is no single symptom of sepsis. Symptoms can include a combination
of any of the following:

• Confusion or disorientation
• Shortness of breath
• High heart rate

• Fever, or shivering, or feeling very cold
• Extreme pain or discomfort
• Clammy or sweaty skin

“My grandmother has a urinary tract infection. She has had a fever
for the past few days. She has also been confused and disoriented.
Could her infection be leading to sepsis?”
Infections put you and your family at risk for sepsis. Sepsis happens
when an infection you already have—in your skin, lungs, urinary tract or
somewhere else—triggers a chain reaction throughout your body.

To learn more about sepsis and how to prevent infections,
visit www.cdc.gov/sepsis.
Sepsis is a medical emergency and every minute counts. A doctor or
·
other healthcare provider should check for signs of sepsis and ask you
about your infection. Sometimes, lab tests are needed to find out if you
This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious
have
an infection.
Diseases (NCEZID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
Department
of Health and Human Services (HHS), under
Contract No. 200-2016-F-90343.

F O R PATI E NT S A N D FA M I LI E S

PROTECT YOURSELF
AND YOUR FAMILY
FROM SEPSIS.
When infections and illnesses
don’t improve, ask your doctor
or nurse, “Could this infection
be leading to sepsis?”

Infections put you and your family at risk for sepsis.

WHAT IS SEPSIS?

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection.
It is life-threatening, and without timely treatment,
sepsis can rapidly cause tissue damage, organ failure,
and death.

There is no single symptom of sepsis. Symptoms of sepsis
can include a combination of any of the following:

Sepsis happens when an infection you already have—
in your skin, lungs, urinary tract or somewhere else—
triggers a chain reaction throughout your body.

WHO IS AT RISK?
Anyone can get an infection, and almost any infection
can lead to sepsis. Certain people are at higher risk:

?

?

?

?

CONFUSION OR
DISORIENTATION

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

HIGH HEART RATE

FEVER, OR SHIVERING,
OR FEELING VERY COLD

EXTREME PAIN OR
DISCOMFORT

CLAMMY OR
SWEATY SKIN

•
•

Adults 65 or older
People with chronic conditions, such as diabetes,
lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease
• People with weakened immune systems
• Children younger than one
The most frequently identified germs that cause
infections that can develop into sepsis include
Staphylococcus aureus (staph), Escherichia coli (E. coli),
and some types of Streptococcus (strep).

HOW CAN I GET AHEAD OF SEPSIS?

Sepsis is a medical emergency. Time matters.

1. Talk to your doctor or nurse about steps you can
take to prevent infections. Some steps include
taking good care of chronic conditions and getting
recommended vaccines.

To learn more about sepsis and how to prevent
infections, visit www.cdc.gov/sepsis.

2. Practice good hygiene, such as handwashing, and
keeping cuts clean until healed.
3. Know the symptoms of sepsis.
4. ACT FAST. Get medical care IMMEDIATELY if you
suspect sepsis or have an infection that’s not getting
better or is getting worse.
·

This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious
Diseases (NCEZID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under
Contract No. 200-2016-F-90343.

FO R PATI E NT S A N D FA M I LI E S

STAY HEALTHY.
PROTECT YOURSELF
FROM SEPSIS.
It’s time to talk about sepsis. Ask
your doctor or nurse, “How can
I prevent infections?”

Take charge of your health. Chronic conditions, such as
diabetes, put you at risk for infections that can lead to a
life-threatening condition called sepsis.

WHAT IS SEPSIS?
Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection.
It is life-threatening, and without timely treatment,
sepsis can rapidly cause tissue damage, organ failure,
and death.
Sepsis happens when an infection you already have—
in your skin, lungs, urinary tract or somewhere else—
triggers a chain reaction throughout your body.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
There is no single symptom of sepsis. Symptoms of sepsis
can include a combination of any of the following:
?

?

?

?

AM I AT RISK?
Anyone can get an infection, and almost any infection
can lead to sepsis. People with chronic conditions such
as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease,
are at higher risk of developing infections that can lead
to sepsis. Sepsis also more commonly occurs in:

CONFUSION OR
DISORIENTATION

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

HIGH HEART RATE

FEVER, OR SHIVERING,
OR FEELING VERY COLD

EXTREME PAIN OR
DISCOMFORT

CLAMMY OR
SWEATY SKIN

•
•
•

Adults 65 or older
People with weakened immune systems
Children younger than one
The most frequently identified germs that cause
infections that can develop into sepsis include
Staphylococcus aureus (staph), Escherichia coli (E. coli),
and some types of Streptococcus (strep).

HOW CAN I GET AHEAD OF SEPSIS?
1. Talk to your doctor or nurse about steps you can
take to prevent infections. Some steps include
taking good care of chronic conditions and getting
recommended vaccines.
2. Practice good hygiene, such as handwashing, and
keeping cuts clean until healed.

Always remember, sepsis is a medical
emergency. Time matters. If you or your
loved one suspects sepsis or has an infection
that’s not getting better or is getting worse,
ask your doctor or nurse, “Could this
infection be leading to sepsis?”

3. Know the symptoms of sepsis.
4. ACT FAST. Get medical care IMMEDIATELY if you
suspect sepsis or have an infection that’s not getting
better or is getting worse.

To learn more about sepsis and how to prevent infections,
visit www.cdc.gov/sepsis.
·

This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious
Diseases (NCEZID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under
Contract No. 200-2016-F-90343.

4 WAYS TO
GET AHEAD OF SEPSIS
Infections put you and your loved ones at risk for a life-threatening condition called sepsis.
Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It is a medical emergency, and without timely treatment,
it can rapidly cause tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Sepsis happens when an infection you already
have — in your skin, lungs, urinary tract, or somewhere else — triggers a chain reaction throughout your body.

Anyone can get an infection, and almost any infection can lead to sepsis.

1

PREVENT
INFECTIONS

2

PRACTICE
GOOD HYGINE

Talk to your doctor or nurse about steps
you can take to prevent infections.

Take good care of chronic conditions

Get recommended vaccines

Handwashing

Keep cuts clean until healed.

Remember to wash your hands and keep
cuts clean.

?

3

KNOW
THE SYMPTOMS

Symptoms can include a combination
of any of these:

4

ACT
FAST

Get medical care IMMEDIATELY if you
suspect sepsis or have an infection that’s
not getting better or is getting worse.

?

?

?

Confusion or
disorientation

Shortness
of breath

High heart
rate

Fever, or
shivering, or
feeling very
cold

Extreme pain
or discomfort

Clammy or
sweaty skin

Always remember, sepsis is a medical
emergency. Time matters.
To learn more about sepsis and how to prevent infections,
visit www.cdc.gov/sepsis.
·

This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious
Diseases (NCEZID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under
Contract No. 200-2016-F-90343.

F O R PATI E NTS A N D FA M I LI E S

PROTECT YOURSELF
AND YOUR FAMILY
FROM SEPSIS.
Sepsis happens when an infection you already
have—in your skin, lungs, urinary tract or
somewhere else—triggers a chain reaction
throughout your body.
It is life-threatening, and without timely
treatment, sepsis can rapidly cause tissue
damage, organ failure, and death.

How can I get ahead of sepsis?
1. Talk with your doctor or nurse about steps you can take to prevent
infections. Some steps include taking good care of chronic
conditions and getting recommended vaccines.
2. Practice good hygiene, such as handwashing, and keeping cuts
clean until healed.
3. Know the symptoms of sepsis.
4. ACT FAST. Get medical care immediately if you suspect sepsis or
have an infection that’s not getting better or is getting worse.

To learn more about sepsis and how to prevent infections, visit, www.cdc.gov/sepsis.
·

This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and
Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS), under Contract No. 200-2016-F-90343.

Do
you
“ know
about
sepsis?”
It’s time to talk about sepsis. Why?
Because any infection – like a wound, pneumonia,
or a urinary tract infection – can lead to sepsis.
Because sepsis is a medical emergency.
If you or a loved one suspects sepsis or has an infection
that’s not getting better, ask your doctor or nurse,

“Could this infection be leading to sepsis?”
·

CDC.gov/sepsis

Do
you
“ know
about
sepsis?”
It’s time to talk about sepsis. Why?
Because any infection – like a wound, pneumonia,
or a urinary tract infection – can lead to sepsis.
Because sepsis is a medical emergency.
If you or a loved one suspects sepsis or has an infection
that’s not getting better, ask your doctor or nurse,

“Could this infection be leading to sepsis?”
·

CDC.gov/sepsis

Do
you
“ know
about
sepsis?”
It’s time to talk about sepsis. Why?
Because any infection – like a wound, pneumonia,
or a urinary tract infection – can lead to sepsis.
Because sepsis is a medical emergency.
If you or a loved one suspects sepsis or has an infection
that’s not getting better, ask your doctor or nurse,

“Could this infection be leading to sepsis?”
·

CDC.gov/sepsis

Do
you
“ know
about
sepsis?”
It’s time to talk about sepsis. Why?
Because any infection – like a wound, pneumonia,
or a urinary tract infection – can lead to sepsis.
Because sepsis is a medical emergency.
If you or a loved one suspects sepsis or has an infection
that’s not getting better, ask your doctor or nurse,

“Could this infection be leading to sepsis?”
·

CDC.gov/sepsis

Do
you
“ know
about
sepsis?”
It’s time to talk about sepsis. Why?
Because any infection – like a wound, pneumonia,
or a urinary tract infection – can lead to sepsis.
Because sepsis is a medical emergency.
If you or a loved one suspects sepsis or has an infection
that’s not getting better, ask your doctor or nurse,

“Could this infection be leading to sepsis?”
·

CDC.gov/sepsis