What most people misunderstand about sepsis
News Channel 3 Special Reports | News Channel 3-12
Last updated: May 25, 2026
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition where the body's response to infection becomes extreme, damaging its own tissues. It is more common and unpredictable than often realized, with millions affected annually in the US.
- Prevalence and Impact: Approximately 1.7 million adults in the U.S. develop sepsis each year, leading to at least 350,000 deaths. It accounts for over a third of hospital deaths, yet public awareness of its symptoms and triggers remains low.
- Causes: Sepsis can arise from various infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and infected kidney stones. It is not just the infection but the body's overwhelming inflammatory response that causes organ damage and dangerously low blood pressure.
- Risk Factors: While anyone can develop sepsis, certain groups are at higher risk, such as older adults, infants, individuals with chronic conditions (like diabetes or cancer), those with weakened immune systems, and people who have recently been hospitalized or undergone surgery.
- Treatment and Recognition: Prompt recognition and treatment are critical. Hospitals implement protocols to quickly diagnose sepsis, administering IV fluids and antibiotics within the first hour, and identifying and treating the source of the infection.
- Long-Term Effects: Even after recovery, many sepsis survivors experience post-sepsis syndrome, characterized by fatigue, cognitive difficulties, anxiety, and increased susceptibility to future infections and health problems.
