Sepsis | Vermont Department of Health
Source: http://healthvermont.gov/disease-control/sepsis
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:10
Sepsis | Vermont Department of Health
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Translations for you
Sepsis
Sepsis is a medical emergency. Time matters.
Sepsis is the body's extreme response to an infection. Sepsis can rapidly cause tissue damage, organ failure and death without timely treatment.
Sepsis happens when an existing infection in your skin, lungs, urinary tract, gut or somewhere else spreads and triggers a chain reaction through your body. Sepsis is most commonly caused by
Staphylococcus aureus
(staph),
Escherichia coli
(
E. coli
), and some types of
Streptococcus.
Symptoms include:
Confusion or disorientation
Shortness of breath
High heart rate
Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
Extreme pain or discomfort
Clammy or sweaty skin
Who is at Risk?
Anyone can get an infection, and almost any infection can lead to sepsis. However, some people are at higher risk than others, including:
Adults 65 or older
People with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease
People with weakened immune systems
Children in the first year of life, especially newborns
Important Links
Sepsis Information from CDC
The Need for Sepsis Awareness: A Survivor's Perspective
Read her story (CDC)
Read Dana Mirman's story of surviving sepsis, and learn why she is urging the public and medical professionals alike to learn more about the disease.
Read her story (CDC)
Help Prevent Sepsis
Talk to your doctor.
Take good care of chronic conditions.
Get recommended vaccines.
Know the symptoms: confusion or disorientation, shortness of breath, high heart rate, fever, shivering, or feeling very cold, extreme pain or discomfort, clammy or sweaty skin.
Practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands and keeping cuts clean until healed.
Act fast!
Seek immediate medical care when an infection is not getting better or if it is getting worse.
Learn More About Sepsis
Sepsis Information (CDC)
Sepsis Alliance
Sepsis Awareness Month (Sepsis Alliance)
World Sepsis Day
Patient Safety Movement Foundation Resources
Surviving Sepsis Campaign
Subscribe to Sepsis
Last Updated:
April 1, 2026
Skip to main content
MENU
x
CLOSE
Translations for you
Sepsis
Sepsis is a medical emergency. Time matters.
Sepsis is the body's extreme response to an infection. Sepsis can rapidly cause tissue damage, organ failure and death without timely treatment.
Sepsis happens when an existing infection in your skin, lungs, urinary tract, gut or somewhere else spreads and triggers a chain reaction through your body. Sepsis is most commonly caused by
Staphylococcus aureus
(staph),
Escherichia coli
(
E. coli
), and some types of
Streptococcus.
Symptoms include:
Confusion or disorientation
Shortness of breath
High heart rate
Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
Extreme pain or discomfort
Clammy or sweaty skin
Who is at Risk?
Anyone can get an infection, and almost any infection can lead to sepsis. However, some people are at higher risk than others, including:
Adults 65 or older
People with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease
People with weakened immune systems
Children in the first year of life, especially newborns
Important Links
Sepsis Information from CDC
The Need for Sepsis Awareness: A Survivor's Perspective
Read her story (CDC)
Read Dana Mirman's story of surviving sepsis, and learn why she is urging the public and medical professionals alike to learn more about the disease.
Read her story (CDC)
Help Prevent Sepsis
Talk to your doctor.
Take good care of chronic conditions.
Get recommended vaccines.
Know the symptoms: confusion or disorientation, shortness of breath, high heart rate, fever, shivering, or feeling very cold, extreme pain or discomfort, clammy or sweaty skin.
Practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands and keeping cuts clean until healed.
Act fast!
Seek immediate medical care when an infection is not getting better or if it is getting worse.
Learn More About Sepsis
Sepsis Information (CDC)
Sepsis Alliance
Sepsis Awareness Month (Sepsis Alliance)
World Sepsis Day
Patient Safety Movement Foundation Resources
Surviving Sepsis Campaign
Subscribe to Sepsis
Last Updated:
April 1, 2026