Know the Signs. Act Fast. Save Lives.
By Kim Crocker, MSN Ed., RN
Quality Director, Spring Valley Hospital
August 25, 2026
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is the body's extreme response to an infection. Normally, the immune system
fights germs to keep us healthy, but sometimes the body's response to an infection gets out of control. When this happens, it can damage organs and become life-threatening. Sepsis can start from many types of infections, including:
- Pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Skin infections
- Cuts or wounds that become infected
Who is at risk?
Anyone can get sepsis, but some people are at higher risk, including:
- Adults age 65 and older
- Infants and young children
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, cancer or kidney disease
- People recovering from surgery or serious illness
Know the warning signs
Sepsis can be hard to recognize because its symptoms may look like other illnesses. Common warning signs include:
- Fever, chills or feeling very cold
- Fast heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme pain or discomfort
- Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
- Clammy or sweaty skin
- Feeling much sicker than usual
When to seek help
If you or someone you know has an infection and is showing signs of sepsis, seek medical care right away. Sepsis is a medical emergency. Early treatment can greatly improve the chance of recovery.
How can you help prevent sepsis?
There are simple steps everyone can take:
✅ Wash your hands often.
✅ Stay up to date on recommended vaccines.
✅ Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed.
✅ Clean and care for cuts and wounds.
✅ Seek medical attention if an infection is getting worse or not improving.