Evidence-based information for the general public
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body's response to an infection gets out of control. Instead of fighting only the infection, the immune system begins to attack the body's own tissues and organs.
Think of it this way: a normal immune response is like a well-targeted fire hose. Sepsis is when that hose floods the entire house — the infection may be in one place, but the damage spreads everywhere.
By the numbers
Sources: CDC Sepsis Education · Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2021 · Mayo Clinic
Content based on: Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2021 Guidelines · CDC Sepsis Public Education · Mayo Clinic Sepsis Overview