What is Sepsis?

Sepsis, which was often called “blood poisoning,” is a life-threatening emergency that happens when your body’s response to an infection damages vital organs and, often, causes death. Learn more about the symptoms of sepsis, which kills 350,000 adults each year in the United States.

Faces of Sepsis™

Faces of Sepsis™ is a collection of sepsis experiences, as told by sepsis survivors, caregivers, and those who have lost a loved one. Click below to read their stories or submit your own.

Keith Throop

Survivor

Back in early November 2021, I underwent a transrectal biopsy for prostate cancer that led to complications. After about three days, I was in the emergency room with acute prostatitis and sepsis. (Sepsis and Surgery) Apparently, the usual antibiotics they had given at the time of the procedure (Cipro) failed to work. I spent four days in the hospital and went home feeling much better and taking a different antibiotic (Augmentin). However, after about three more days, I was back in the emergency room again with acute prostatitis and sepsis. This time I spent six days in the hospital, during ... Read Full Story

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Matthew Sucese

Survivor, Survivor

About a couple weeks ago (currently the 17th of July) I was sent to the ER to find out I had a 8MM kidney stone, after blood work they had taken a different tone. I wasn’t aware I had sepsis until the second day in the hospital, they wanted to keep me calm until I had my surgeries. (Sepsis and Kidney Stones) My nurses and doctors were fantastic I am incredibly thankful they were so attentive and so kind when I was at my worst. I was told that if I waited a day it would have been fatal, I ... Read Full Story

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Duane Hodgin

Survivor, Survivor, Survivor

At the age of 55, I contracted sepsis after rotator cuff surgery. Within a week of the surgery, a large, red, nodule developed on my shoulder. (Sepsis and Surgery) I went to my family doctor who had me immediately admitted to the hospital where tests determined I had sepsis. An infectious disease doctor was called to examine me. He said I was fortunate I got to the hospital when I did. I was treated with Lilly Pharmaceutical’s most powerful drug at the time. After four days on IV drips, I was sent home but had to continue daily IV treatment ... Read Full Story

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Jay Venom

Survivor, Survivor, Survivor, Survivor

I was at the severe sepsis stage when I was hospitalized, I wasn’t aware I had sepsis. I ignored the symptoms and thought it was a mild case of food poisoning. As days went by my symptoms worsened. I’m so grateful everyday for allowing me to beat this, and I,m so glad I was able to find Sepsis Alliance online! I became more educated about what sepsis is more than I was when I was inpatient. Now I don’t feel alone knowing there are other survivors like me. Read Full Story

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Austin Horsley

Survivor, Survivor, Survivor, Survivor, Survivor

I was driving home from work, and I got hit by an instant bad feeling. I thought I just had a cold of some sorts. I took NyQuil and tried to sleep it off. I woke up at 1 am and felt completely delusional. I was convulsing from my fever. I drove myself to the emergency room in a snow storm only to collapse in the waiting room. By the time I woke up, I was admitted into the hospital with a temperature of 106.2. My body had been fried by the fever. Luckily I went in when I did. ... Read Full Story

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Upcoming Events

Sponsored Webinar: More Secrets of the CBC…Use the Diff to Make a Diff!

April 30, 2024 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Date: April 30, 2024 Time: 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET / 11:00 am – 12:00 pm PT Description:  In this follow-up to the 2023 webinar, sponsored by Beckman Coulter, take …

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Sepsis Alliance Connect Presentation: What Can Recreational Therapy Teach Us About Managing Symptoms Common to Sepsis Survivors and Their Loved Ones?

April 30, 2024 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Date: April 30, 2024 Time: 2 PM ET Description:  Recreational therapy is a type of therapy that uses leisure activities to support physical and mental/emotional healing in people with illnesses …

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Sepsis Alliance Symposium: Maternal and Neonatal Sepsis

May 16, 2024 | 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Date: May 16, 2024 Time: 12 pm – 4 pm EST / 9 am – 1 pm PT Description:  This FREE, virtual event will cover critical topics related to maternal …

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Sepsis News

Sepsis Alliance Applauds Reintroduction of Lulu’s Law in Advance of Pediatric Sepsis Week

April 18, 2024

The bipartisan bill, named for a four-year-old who was lost to sepsis, will enable the U.S. to tackle a condition that takes the lives of nearly 20 children each day. …

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Black Maternal Health Week: April 11-17

April 11, 2024

April 11-17 is Black Maternal Health Week. Learn more about sepsis and maternal health by clicking the link below.

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World Health Day

April 7, 2024

April 7 is World Health Day. Click the link below to learn more about Sepsis Alliance’s priority areas and how we’re committed to improving sepsis outcomes for all.

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