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Many people think of sepsis as a type of infection, but it is not actually a specific type of infection. Rather, it is an extreme response that the immune system mounts when fighting an infection in the body. This results in inflammation that can cause tissue damage, organ failure and even death if it is not treated quickly.
Bacterial infections cause most cases of sepsis but it can also result from viral infections such as COVID-19 or the flu. Infections that lead to sepsis most often start in the lungs, urinary tract, skin or gastrointestinal tract.
Who is at risk of getting sepsis?
Anyone can get sepsis, but people who are at higher risk include adults ages 65 and older, people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer and kidney disease, and those with weakened immune systems. You can’t spread sepsis to others, but you can spread an infection that can lead to sepsis to other people.
How do you prevent sepsis?
Here are some steps you can take to make it less likely you’ll develop sepsis:
If you suspect you have sepsis, or have an infection that is not getting better or is getting worse, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. Sepsis can be life-threatening if it is not treated quickly.
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Date Last Reviewed: July 15, 2022
Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor
Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD