What Is Sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s response to infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that without early treatment, sepsis can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. To protect yourself from sepsis, the agency recommends the following: talk to your doctor about what you can do to prevent infections, take care of chronic health conditions, practice good hygiene, know the symptoms of sepsis, and act quickly if you suspect sepsis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, April 2019