COVID-19 can lead to sepsis.

Sepsis happens when an infection causes your body’s immune system to mount an extreme response. This excessive response can quickly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death if not treated promptly.

Any type of infection can cause sepsis to occur. This includes infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Likewise, infection in any part of the body can cause sepsis. This includes infections of the lung (e.g., pneumonia), genitourinary tract (e.g., UTI), or abdomen (e.g., appendicitis).

COVID-19 is the illness caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. As a viral infection, COVID-19 can lead to sepsis. People with severe COVID-19 may experience symptoms such as fever and chills, difficulty breathing, pain or discomfort, and confusion. These are also common signs of sepsis.

COVID-19 can also increase risk for other infections that cause sepsis.

When your body is fighting one infection, you are at heightened risk of developing another infection. People with COVID-19—even a mild case—may be vulnerable to infections caused by bacteria or other pathogens. Your body’s reaction to the additional infection could lead to sepsis.

Sepsis can be hard to diagnose, so it’s important to know the signs.

Adults with sepsis often have one or more of the following symptoms:

• High heart rate or low blood pressure

• Fever or chills

• Confusion or disorientation

• Difficulty breathing

• Extreme pain or discomfort

• Clammy or sweaty skin

Children may show different symptoms, including rapid breathing, lethargy, convulsions, repeated vomiting, and no appetite.

There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of sepsis.

To avoid infections and prevent sepsis, you should:

• Get recommended vaccines

• Manage your chronic conditions

• Wash your hands frequently

• Keep cuts clean and covered

Sepsis is life-threatening. Seek medical care immediately if you show signs of sepsis.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Achieving Excellence in Sepsis Diagnosis: Proceedings of a Workshop―in Brief – National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

• COVID-19 Responses and Resources – National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

• End Sepsis

• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine – Health and Medicine | Topic

• Sepsis – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Sepsis Alliance

• What is Sepsis? – International Sepsis Forum