Every 2.8 seconds
a person dies of sepsis.
Protect yourself and your loved ones:
Learn more about the risks, causes, symptoms and how to prevent sepsis.
What is Sepsis?
Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to an infection attacks its own tissues and organs. If not detected early and treated quickly, it can lead to shock, multi-organ failure and death.
0
%
of all deaths worldwide are associated with sepsis
100000
cases per year
worldwide
0
%
of sepsis cases occur outside of a hospital
Tess´s Sepsis Story:
How I Survived Sepsis
My name is Tess Willemse, I’m from the Netherlands, and I’m 18 years old. This is my story about how I almost lost my life to a ‘lung infection.’
Common sources of sepsis
Sepsis is always caused by an infection. It can arise when bacteria, viruses or fungi enters the bloodstream through a wound, as well as through infections such as pneumonia, meningitis,urinary tract infections, seasonal flu or COVID-19.
From a Local Infection to a Body-Wide Injury
A local infection, such as pneumonia, can overcome the body‘s local defense mechanisms. Invading microorganisms and the toxins they produce induce a powerful immune response involving the whole body which can be so intense that the body loses control. The “dysregulated” response can result in injury to tissues and organs, and is known as sepsis.
Cardio-circulatory failure can develop, leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure. This is called septic shock. Several organs then stop functioning sequentially or simultaneously. This multi-organ failure often leads to death.The Heartbreaking Story of Maddy Jones:
Born 1998, Taken by Sepsis in 2017
Maddy – a passionate and determined young woman with a promising future, whose life ended far too soon. Her parents are left wondering: ‘What if we had known about Sepsis?’ – Would she still be here?
Slurred speech or confusion
Extreme shivering or muscle pain/fever
Passing no urine all day
Severe breathlessness
It feels like you are going to die
Skin mottled or discolored
Symptoms of Sepsis
The symptoms of sepsis are varied and not easy to identify. Fever, rapid pulse, changes in consciousness and shortness of breath may be signs of sepsis.
Risk Groups
Everyone can get sepsis. People with a weak immune system are at higher risk.
Michael’s Sepsis Story: The Rusty Nail That Almost Killed Me
After Micheal Porter scraped his hand against a nail while he was repairing his garden gate at his home in 2015, he didn’t think much of it. 72 hours later, he was in a coma.
You Can Prevent
Sepsis
Unforeseen infections can happen anywhere, but there is a lot you can do to prevent sepsis.
→ Sadness
→ Difficulty Swallowing
→ Muscle Weakness
→ Clouded Thinking
→ Difficulty Sleeping
→ Poor Memory
→ Difficulty Concentrating
→ Fatigue
→ Anxiety
Post Sepsis Symptoms
Knowing about Post Sepsis Symptoms can provide you or your loved ones with opportunities to be proactive during recovery.
You can help #StopSepsis and #SaveLives Get involved at
worldsepsisday.org
The lack of knowledge makes sepsis the number one preventable cause of death worldwide. World Sepsis Day (WSD) was established in 2012 with the aim of raising public awareness, but also to show support and solidarity with people who lost their loved ones, or as sepsis survivors, suffer from long-term consequences of sepsis.
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Get More Information about Sepsis
Knowledge can save lives! Increase awareness of sepsis and World Sepsis Day in your network by sharing information. All materials are free for non-commercial use.
The role of CytoSorb® therapy in the management of sepsis