What Are Sepsis Symptoms?

Our experienced nursing home abuse lawyers often see cases where abused or neglected elderly patients suffer from sepsis. Sepsis symptoms can vary based on the stage of the condition—ranging from early signs like fever and rapid heart rate to severe septic shock, characterized by low blood pressure and confusion. While acute symptoms often include abdominal pain, nausea, and clammy skin, survivors may later develop post-sepsis syndrome, which involves long-term fatigue, breathlessness, and cognitive difficulties.

Sepsis Symptoms in Nursing Homes

Sepsis is caused by viral, fungal, or bacterial infections and is common in the elderly. Blood tests are used to identify the type of infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sepsis happens when infections the patient already has trigger a chain reaction throughout the body. They most often start as respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, or infections in the gastrointestinal tract or skin.

Each year, 1.7 million U.S. adults develop sepsis, with 350,000 dying or entering hospice care. Without quick treatment, sepsis can cause organ failure, tissue damage, and death.

Blood poisoning is an old term for sepsis. Septicemia (or sepsis) occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream, leading to blood poisoning and triggering sepsis.

Sepsis is a serious concern in nursing homes and can be life-threatening. Prompt treatment is critical to reduce the risk of complications and lasting damage.

Is Sepsis Contagious?

No, sepsis is not contagious. Sepsis is an infection that occurs when bacteria, viruses, or fungi enter the bloodstream and cause a systemic inflammatory response. According to the CDC, though sepsis itself cannot be spread, the underlying infections may be transmissible to other people.

What Are the Three Stages of Sepsis?

Sepsis progresses through three stages: sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. This serious condition occurs when the body’s extreme response to an infection causes widespread inflammation, which can damage blood vessels and lead to organ failure. It can quickly become life-threatening (particularly for elderly nursing home residents) and may also indicate potential nursing home neglect.

Knowing the risk factors and the three stages of sepsis can help family members and caregivers recognize the signs early on and seek immediate medical attention.

Sepsis

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) occurs when the body overreacts to a harmful stressor. If the stressor is an infection, it’s called sepsis. Early symptoms of sepsis may include fever, drops in blood pressure, a fast heart rate, and trouble breathing.

Severe Sepsis

The second stage is called severe sepsis. If the infection is not addressed in time, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause organ failure. Common warning signs of severe sepsis in the elderly include extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Septic Shock

Septic shock occurs in the third and most severe stage of sepsis, often requiring treatment in the intensive care unit. This life-threatening medical emergency arises when low blood pressure leads to the sudden failure of vital organs. At this stage, symptoms of septic shock may emerge due to insufficient blood flow, including a significant decline in mental awareness, rapid heart rate, and difficulty breathing.

Get Help Immediately

Seek immediate medical attention for sepsis or septic shock, as these conditions require urgent intervention in critical care medicine.

How Dangerous Is Sepsis?

According to 2024 data from the Sepsis Alliance, nursing home residents face significantly higher risks of sepsis, being over six times more likely to present with the condition in emergency departments compared to non-residents.

Post-acute care outcomes for older adult sepsis survivors reveal that only 54% can return directly home, while 37% require discharge to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) or other non-acute healthcare settings.

Although sepsis mortality rates had been declining prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, progress stalled during the pandemic. ICU mortality rates for older adults remain high at 30% to 60%, depending on age and comorbidities. Additionally, 2024 data from long-term care facilities shows a 10.6% rise in overall infection reports compared to the previous year, underscoring the growing challenges faced by nursing homes.

Who Is Most at Risk for Developing Sepsis?

Older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above, face the highest risk of sepsis, accounting for approximately 75% of all sepsis-related deaths in the United States. This vulnerability is further heightened for residents in long-term care settings, such as nursing homes, due to chronic conditions and frequent healthcare interactions that increase the likelihood of infections. To address this, the CDC introduced the Sepsis Prevention Assessment Tool (SPAT) for Nursing Homes in early 2026 to improve sepsis recognition and treatment.

Sepsis is also more prevalent among individuals with compromised immune systems, those recovering from severe illnesses, and children under one year of age (neonatal sepsis). Additionally, people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, kidney disease, and cancer are at an elevated risk.

How Can Sepsis Be Prevented?

The best ways to prevent sepsis are through good hygiene and preventive care. This includes washing hands regularly, avoiding contact with anyone who is sick, and getting vaccinations as recommended by the doctor. It is also important to keep any existing or chronic health conditions under control through regular check-ups and treatments. Recognizing the signs of sepsis, early diagnosis, and medical intervention can help reduce the risk of complications and long-term damage.

What Are the Major Causes of Sepsis?

The major causes of sepsis are bacterial and viral infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin or wound infections. These can occur when bacteria enter the body through broken skin or an invasive medical procedure. Certain fungi can also lead to sepsis if they enter the bloodstream.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Sepsis?

If left untreated, sepsis can cause severe health problems like tissue damage, organ failure, septic shock, and even death. Long-term effects may include permanent organ dysfunction, fatigue, weakness, memory and concentration issues, and depression.

What Is the Treatment for Sepsis?

Sepsis treatment focuses on addressing the infection, providing fluids and oxygen to support organ function, and using antibiotics or other medications to fight the infection. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove infected tissue or drain an abscess.

Why Are Nursing Home Residents Susceptible to Sepsis?

Nursing home residents are more vulnerable to severe sepsis due to weakened immune systems, poor hygiene, and limited access to medical care. The presence of critically ill patients with chronic infectious diseases further increases the risk of viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.

Nursing Homes and Sepsis Prevention

A nursing home sepsis program focuses on the vigilant monitoring of vital signs and subtle changes in residents, strong hygiene practices to prevent infections, prompt medical care with rapid response plans, and comprehensive staff training to recognize early signs—using tools like SPAT and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA).

What Should Nursing Home Visitors Do to Prevent Sepsis?

Visitors to nursing homes can help prevent infections by washing their hands before and after visits, staying home when sick (even with a cold), avoiding contact with sick individuals, and limiting physical contact with residents with weakened immune systems. Also, watch for changes in your loved one’s condition to ensure quick medical attention if sepsis develops.

What Should I Do If My Loved One Gets Sepsis in a Nursing Home?

If your loved one is experiencing sepsis in a nursing home, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical care to prevent it from worsening. Also, report any signs of neglect or abuse you notice and call The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, for a free case evaluation.