Assessment materials

HOW CAN I GET AHEAD OF SEPSIS?

FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Healthcare professionals can:

• Know sepsis signs and symptoms to identify and treat
patients early.
• Act fast if you suspect sepsis.
• Prevent infections by following infection control
practices (e.g., hand hygiene, catheter removal) and
ensuring patients receive recommended vaccines.
• Educate your patients and their families about:
- Preventing infections.
- Keeping cuts clean and covered until healed.
- Managing chronic conditions.
- Recognizing early signs and symptoms of worsening
infection and sepsis and seeking immediate care
if present.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUSPECT SEPSIS?

Know your facility’s existing guidance for diagnosing
and managing sepsis.

• Immediately alert the clinician in charge if it is not you.
• Start antibiotics as soon as possible, in addition to

other therapies appropriate for the patient.
• Check patient progress frequently. Reassess antibiotic
therapy within 24-48 hours to stop or change therapy
as needed. Be sure antibiotic type, dose, and duration
are correct.
Sepsis is a medical emergency. Protect your patients
by acting fast. Your fast recognition and treatment can
increase your patients’ chances of survival.
Learn more about sepsis and how to prevent infections:
www.cdc.gov/sepsis.
·

PubNo. 300421

PROTECT YOUR PATIENTS
FROM SEPSIS.
Infections put your patients at risk for sepsis. Be alert to
the signs and symptoms and, when suspected, act fast.

More than 1.7 million adults
develop sepsis each year in the U.S.

Nearly 270,000 Americans
die from sepsis each year.

One in three patients who die in a
hospital have sepsis.

WHAT IS SEPSIS?

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an
infection. It is life-threatening, and without prompt
treatment, often rapidly leads to tissue damage,
organ failure, and death.

WHAT CAUSES SEPSIS?
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SEPSIS?
Signs and symptoms of sepsis can include any one or a
combination of the following:

?

?

?

?

CONFUSION OR
DISORIENTATION

Almost any type of infection can trigger sepsis. Four
types of infections that are often linked with sepsis
are lung, urinary tract, skin, and gut.
The most frequently identified pathogens that cause
infections that can develop into sepsis include
Staphylococcus aureus (staph), Escherichia coli
(E. coli), and some types of Streptococcus.

WHO IS AT RISK?
SHORTNESS OF BREATH

HIGH HEART RATE

Anyone can get an infection, and almost any
infection can lead to sepsis. Some people are at
higher risk of infection and sepsis:

• Adults 65 or older
• People with chronic medical conditions, such as

diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease
• People with weakened immune systems
• Children younger than one
FEVER, OR SHIVERING,
OR FEELING VERY COLD

EXTREME PAIN OR
DISCOMFORT

CLAMMY OR
SWEATY SKIN

HOW CAN I GET AHEAD OF SEPSIS?

FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Healthcare professionals can:

• Know sepsis signs and symptoms to identify and treat
patients early.
• Act fast if you suspect sepsis.
• Prevent infections by following infection control
practices (e.g., hand hygiene, catheter removal) and
ensuring patients receive recommended vaccines.
• Educate your patients and their families about:
- Preventing infections.
- Keeping cuts clean and covered until healed.
- Managing chronic conditions.
- Recognizing early signs and symptoms of worsening
infection and sepsis and seeking immediate care
if present.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUSPECT SEPSIS?

Know your facility’s existing guidance for diagnosing
and managing sepsis.

• Immediately alert the clinician in charge if it is not you.
• Start antibiotics as soon as possible, in addition to

other therapies appropriate for the patient.
• Check patient progress frequently. Reassess antibiotic
therapy within 24-48 hours to stop or change therapy
as needed. Be sure antibiotic type, dose, and duration
are correct.
Sepsis is a medical emergency. Protect your patients
by acting fast. Your fast recognition and treatment can
increase your patients’ chances of survival.
Learn more about sepsis and how to prevent infections:
www.cdc.gov/sepsis.
·

PubNo. 300421

PROTECT YOUR PATIENTS
FROM SEPSIS.
Infections put your patients at risk for sepsis. Be alert to
the signs and symptoms and, when suspected, act fast.

More than 1.7 million adults
develop sepsis each year in the U.S.

Nearly 270,000 Americans
die from sepsis each year.

One in three patients who die in a
hospital have sepsis.

WHAT IS SEPSIS?

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an
infection. It is life-threatening, and without prompt
treatment, often rapidly leads to tissue damage,
organ failure, and death.

WHAT CAUSES SEPSIS?
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SEPSIS?
Signs and symptoms of sepsis can include any one or a
combination of the following:

?

?

?

?

CONFUSION OR
DISORIENTATION

Almost any type of infection can trigger sepsis. Four
types of infections that are often linked with sepsis
are lung, urinary tract, skin, and gut.
The most frequently identified pathogens that cause
infections that can develop into sepsis include
Staphylococcus aureus (staph), Escherichia coli
(E. coli), and some types of Streptococcus.

WHO IS AT RISK?
SHORTNESS OF BREATH

HIGH HEART RATE

Anyone can get an infection, and almost any
infection can lead to sepsis. Some people are at
higher risk of infection and sepsis:

• Adults 65 or older
• People with chronic medical conditions, such as

diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease
• People with weakened immune systems
• Children younger than one
FEVER, OR SHIVERING,
OR FEELING VERY COLD

EXTREME PAIN OR
DISCOMFORT

CLAMMY OR
SWEATY SKIN

F O R H E A LTH C A R E PRO F E S S I O N A L S I N U RG E NT C A R E /
E M E RG E N CY D E PA RTM E NTS

One in three patients who die
in a hospital have sepsis.
More than 1.7 million adults
develop sepsis each year
in the U.S.
Nearly 270,000 Americans
die from sepsis each year.

BE ALERT.
SUSPECT SEPSIS.
SAVE LIVES.
You can protect your patients by recognizing
and treating sepsis quickly.

TIME MATTERS

Sepsis is a medical emergency. Protect your patients by
acting fast. Your patients’ risk of death increases with delayed
recognition and treatment of sepsis.

To learn more about sepsis and how to
prevent infections, visit www.cdc.gov/sepsis.

RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS AND ACT FAST
Be alert to the signs and symptoms of sepsis. If you suspect
sepsis, act fast and initiate care.
Signs and symptoms of sepsis can include any one or a
combination of the following:
?

?

• Immediately alert the clinician in charge if it is not you.
• Start antibiotics as soon as possible, in addition to
other therapies appropriate for the patient.
• Check patient progress frequently. Reassess antibiotic
therapy within 24-48 hours to stop or change therapy
as needed. Be sure antibiotic type, dose, and duration
are correct.

?

?

CONFUSION OR
DISORIENTATION

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

HIGH HEART RATE

FEVER, OR SHIVERING,
OR FEELING VERY COLD

EXTREME PAIN OR
DISCOMFORT

CLAMMY OR
SWEATY SKIN

Know your facility’s existing guidance for
diagnosing and managing sepsis.

·

PubNo. 300428

FO R H E A LTH C A R E PRO F E S S I O N A L S I N
H OS PITA L S A N D H O M E C A R E

More than 1.7 million adults
develop sepsis each year
in the U.S.
Nearly 270,000 Americans
die from sepsis each year.

BE VIGILANT.
PROTECT YOUR
PATIENTS
FROM SEPSIS.
Sepsis is a medical emergency. Be alert to the signs
and symptoms, and when you suspect sepsis, act fast
and initiate care.

SPOT THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection.
It is life-threatening, and without prompt treatment, often
rapidly leads to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
It happens when an infection your patient already has—
like in their skin, lungs, or urinary tract—triggers a chain
reaction throughout their body.

KNOW THE RISKS

PREVENT INFECTIONS AND ACT FAST
You play a critical role. Remember to:

• Act fast if you suspect sepsis, or if your patients’

infections are not getting better or are getting worse.
Signs and symptoms of sepsis can include any one or a
combination of the following:
?

?

?

?

Anyone can get an infection, and almost any infection
can lead to sepsis. Some people are at higher risk of
infection and sepsis:

• Adults 65 or older
• People with chronic medical conditions, such as

CONFUSION OR
DISORIENTATION

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

HIGH HEART RATE

FEVER, OR SHIVERING,
OR FEELING VERY COLD

EXTREME PAIN OR
DISCOMFORT

CLAMMY OR
SWEATY SKIN

diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease

• People with weakened immune systems
• Children younger than one

The most frequently identified pathogens that cause
infections that can develop into sepsis include
Staphylococcus aureus (staph), Escherichia coli (E. coli),
and some types of Streptococcus.

• Prevent infections by following infection practices
To learn more about sepsis and how to
prevent infections, visit www.cdc.gov/sepsis.

(e.g. hand hygiene, catheter removal) and ensuring
patients receive recommended vaccines.
• Ensure patients’ cuts are kept clean and covered
until healed.
·

PubNo. 300426

FO R H E A LTH C A R E PRO F E S S I O N A L S
I N LO N G -TE R M C A R E

More than 1.7 million adults
develop sepsis each year
in the U.S.
Nearly 270,000 Americans
die from sepsis each year.

BE VIGILANT.
PROTECT YOUR
RESIDENTS
FROM SEPSIS.

Sepsis is a medical emergency. Protect your residents
by acting fast. Your fast recognition and treatment can
increase your patients’ chances of survival.

SPOT THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection.
It is life-threatening, and without prompt treatment, often
rapidly leads to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
It happens when an infection your resident already has—
like in their skin, lungs, or urinary tract—triggers a chain
reaction throughout their body.

KNOW THE RISKS

Anyone can get an infection, and almost any infection
can lead to sepsis. Adults 65 or older are at an
increased risk of developing infections that can lead to
sepsis. Sepsis also more commonly occurs in:

• People with chronic medical conditions, such as

diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease
• People with weakened immune systems
The most frequently identified pathogens that cause
infections that can develop into sepsis include
Staphylococcus aureus (staph), Escherichia coli (E. coli),
and some types of Streptococcus.

PREVENT INFECTIONS AND ACT FAST
You play a critical role. Remember to:

• Act fast if you suspect sepsis, or if your residents’

infections are not getting better or are getting worse.
Signs and symptoms can include any one or a
combination of the following:
?

?

?

?

CONFUSION OR
DISORIENTATION

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

HIGH HEART RATE

FEVER, OR SHIVERING,
OR FEELING VERY COLD

EXTREME PAIN OR
DISCOMFORT

CLAMMY OR
SWEATY SKIN

• Prevent infections by following infection control
To learn more about sepsis and how to
prevent infections, visit www.cdc.gov/sepsis.

practices (e.g., hand hygiene, catheter removal) and
ensuring residents receive recommended vaccines.
• Ensure residents’ cuts are kept clean and covered until
healed.
·

PubNo. 300427

FO R H E A LTH C A R E PRO F E S S I O N A L S

More than 1.7 million adults
develop sepsis each year
in the U.S.
Nearly 270,000 Americans
die from sepsis each year.

PROTECT YOUR
PATIENTS
FROM SEPSIS.
Your patients are counting on you. Educate them about
how to prevent infections, what signs and symptoms to
look for, and when to seek medical care for possible sepsis.

KNOW THE RISKS

PREVENT AND EDUCATE

Anyone can get an infection, and almost any infection
can lead to sepsis. Certain patients are at increased risk
for developing sepsis:

Educate your patients and their families so they can:

• People with chronic medical conditions, such as
diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease
• Adults 65 or older
• People with weakened immune systems
• Children younger than one
The most frequently identified pathogens that cause
infections that can develop into sepsis include
Staphylococcus aureus (staph), Escherichia coli (E. coli),
and some types of Streptococcus.

• Recognize the signs and symptoms of severe infection
and sepsis. There is no single sign or symptom of
sepsis. Signs and symptoms can include any one or a
combination of the following:
?

?

?

?

CONFUSION OR
DISORIENTATION

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

HIGH HEART RATE

FEVER, OR SHIVERING,
OR FEELING VERY COLD

EXTREME PAIN OR
DISCOMFORT

CLAMMY OR
SWEATY SKIN

YOU PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE
Talk to your patients and their families about the signs
and symptoms of sepsis and the need to seek
immediate care if they suspect sepsis.

• Practice good hygiene, such as handwashing, and

To learn more about sepsis and how to
prevent infections, visit www.cdc.gov/sepsis.

keeping cuts clean and covered until healed.
• Take steps to prevent infections, such as caring for
chronic conditions.
• Seek medical care when an infection is not getting better
or is getting worse.
Prevent infections

• Follow infection control practices (e.g., hand hygiene,
catheter removal) and ensure patients receive
recommended vaccines.
·

PubNo. 300420

PROTECT YOUR
PATIENTS FROM SEPSIS.
Infections put your patients at risk for sepsis. Be alert to the signs and symptoms, and
when suspected, act fast.
Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It is life-threatening, and without prompt
treatment, often rapidly leads to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

SEPSIS
STATS

More than

1.7 million
adults develop sepsis
each year in the U.S.

WHAT
CAUSES
SEPSIS?

Nearly

270,000
Americans die from
sepsis each year

1 in 3 patients
who die in a hospital
have sepsis

The most frequently identified pathogens that cause infections that can develop into sepsis include
Staphylococcus aureus (staph), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and some types of Streptococcus.
Four types of infections that are often linked with sepsis:

Lungs
(e.g., pneumonia)

Urinary tract
(e.g., kidney)

Anyone can get an infection, and almost any infection can lead to sepsis. Some people are
at higher risk of infection and sepsis:

Adults 65
or older

About

People with chronic
medical conditions,
such as diabetes, lung
disease, cancer, and
kidney disease

People with
weakened
immune
systems

Children
younger
than one

Skin

Gut

WHO IS
AT RISK?

WHAT ARE THE
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SEPSIS?

Confusion or
disorientation

Shortness
of breath

High
heart rate

Signs and symptoms can include any one or
a combination of the following:

Fever, or
shivering, or
feeling very cold

HOW CAN I GET AHEAD OF SEPSIS?
Healthcare professionals can:
• Know sepsis signs and symptoms to identify and treat
patients early.

Extreme pain
or discomfort

Clammy or
sweaty skin

Sepsis is a medical
emergency. Protect your
patients by acting fast.
Your fast recognition and
treatment can increase your
patients’ chances of survival.

• Act fast if you suspect sepsis.
• Prevent infections by following infection control practices
(e.g., hand hygiene, catheter removal) and ensuring patients
receive recommended vaccines.
• Educate your patients and their families about:
- Preventing infections.

- Keeping cuts clean and covered until healed.
- Managing chronic conditions. - 

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUSPECT SEPSIS?
Know your facility’s existing guidance for diagnosing and managing sepsis.
• Immediately alert the clinician in charge if it is not you.
• Start antibiotics as soon as possible, in addition to other therapies appropriate for
the patient.
• Check patient progress frequently. Reassess antibiotic therapy within 24-48 hours to
stop or change therapy as needed. Be sure antibiotic type, dose, and duration are correct.

Learn more about sepsis and how to prevent infections:
www.cdc.gov/sepsis.
·

PubNo. 300422

PubNo. 300429

Be alert. Suspect sepsis. Save lives.
·

To learn more about sepsis
and how to prevent infections,
visit www.cdc.gov/sepsis.

To assemble the pocket guide:

F O R H E A LT H C A R E P R O F E S S I O N A L S

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF SEPSIS?
Signs of sepsis can include any one or a
combination of the following:
• Confusion or disorientation
• Shortness of breath
• High heart rate
• Fever, or shivering, or feeling very cold
• Extreme pain or discomfort
• Clammy or sweaty skin
Anyone can get an infection, and
almost any infection can lead to sepsis.
Some people are at higher risk of
infection and sepsis:
• Adults 65 or older
• People with chronic conditions, such
as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and
kidney disease
• People with weakened immune
systems
• Children younger than one

Know your facility’s existing guidance for
diagnosing and managing sepsis.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUSPECT
SEPSIS?
• Immediately alert the clinician in
charge if it is not you.

• Start antibiotics as soon as possible, in
addition to other therapies appropriate
for the patient.

• Check patient progress frequently.
Reassess antibiotic therapy within 24–
48 hours to stop or change therapy as
needed. Be sure antibiotic type, dose,
and duration are correct.

1.

Print landscape on 8.5x11 paper

2.

Cut along the perforated line

3.

Fold in half vertically (top to bottom)

4.

Fold in half horizontally (left to right)

PubNo. 00423

Protect your patients from sepsis.
·

To learn more about sepsis
and how to prevent infections,
visit www.cdc.gov/sepsis.

To assemble the pocket guide:

F O R H E A LT H C A R E P R O F E S S I O N A L S

WHO IS AT RISK?
Anyone can get an infection, and almost
any infection can lead to sepsis.
Some people are at higher risk of
infection and sepsis:

• Adults 65 or older
• People with chronic conditions, such

as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and
kidney disease
• People with weakened immune systems
• Children younger than one

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF SEPSIS?
Signs of sepsis can include any one or a
combination of the following:
• Confusion or disorientation
• Shortness of breath
• High heart rate
• Fever, or shivering, or feeling very cold
• Extreme pain or discomfort
• Clammy or sweaty skin

HOW CAN I GET AHEAD OF SEPSIS?
• Know sepsis signs to identify and treat
patients early.

• Act fast if you suspect sepsis.
• Prevent infections by following infection
control practices (e.g., hand hygiene,
catheter removal) and ensuring patients
receive recommended vaccines.
• Educate patients and their families about:
• Preventing infections.
• Keeping cuts clean and covered until
healed.
• Managing chronic conditions.
• Recognizing early signs of worsening
infection and sepsis and seeking
immediate care if signs are present.

1.

Print landscape on 8.5x11 paper

2.

Cut along the perforated line

3.

Fold in half vertically (top to bottom)

4.

Fold in half horizontally (left to right)

FO R H E A LTH C A R E PRO F E S S I O N A L S I N
U RG E NT C A R E / E M E RG E N CY D E PA RTM E NTS

BE ALERT.
SUSPECT SEPSIS.
SAVE LIVES.
Sepsis is a medical emergency.
Protect your patients by acting
fast. Your patients’ risk of death
increases with delayed recognition
and treatment of sepsis.
Time matters.

To learn more about sepsis and how to prevent
infections, visit www.cdc.gov/sepsis.
·

PubNo. 300430

F O R H E A LTH C A R E P R O F E S S I O N A L S

PROTECT
YOUR PATIENTS
FROM SEPSIS.
Your patients are counting on you.
Educate them about:
• How to prevent infections
• What signs to look for
• When to seek medical care for possible sepsis

To learn more about sepsis and how to prevent
infections, visit www.cdc.gov/sepsis.
·

PubNo. 300424

FO R H E A LTH CA R E PRO F E SS I O N A L S

PROTECT
YOUR PATIENTS
FROM SEPSIS.
Your patients are counting on you.
Educate them about:
• How to prevent infections
• What signs to look for
• When to seek medical care for
possible sepsis

To learn more about sepsis and how to prevent
infections, visit www.cdc.gov/sepsis.
·

PubNo. 300425

CDC Sepsis HCP Materials
The thumbnails included provide a sample of CDC Sepsis materials including:
•
•

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