What is Sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening illness caused by the body's overreaction to an infection. In 2017, there were approximately 48.9 million cases with 11 million sepsis-related deaths, representing approximately 20% of all global deaths. Severe sepsis is associated with higher mortality, increased hospital readmission, and, in Ontario alone, costs an estimated $1 billion per year.  

Early recognition of the signs and symptoms of sepsis and rapid initiation of treatment are imperative to reduce morbidity and mortality from sepsis. 

 

Signs & Symptoms of Sepsis

A person with Sepsis may have one or more of the following signs and symptoms:

  • S - Slurred speech or confusion

  • E - Extreme shivering or muscle pain/fever

  • P - Passing no urine all day

  • S - Severe breathlessness

  • I - It feels like you are going to die

  • S - Skin mottled or discoloured

Examples of infections that commonly lead to sepsis are:

  • pneumonia

  • stomach infections

  • viruses like COVID-19 and influenza

If you have an infection & experience these symptoms, seek medical attention!

When an infection does cause sepsis it can develop quickly, leading to shock, organs (e.g. heart, lungs, kidneys) shutting down and death within hours. The risk of dying of sepsis increases by as much as 8% every hour treatment is delayed.

To learn more about sepsis, join us on September 13th (online or in-person) at our event, Transforming the Trajectory of Sepsis.