The most important answers

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency. It occurs when the body’s immune response to an infection spirals out of control, damaging the body’s own tissues and vital organs. In everyday language, sepsis is often referred to as “blood poisoning”—but this is not medically accurate. It is not a poisoning of the blood, but rather a life-threatening, dysregulated, and excessive immune response to an infection. Bacteria are most commonly responsible, but viruses and other pathogens can also cause sepsis. Common triggers of sepsis include pneumonia, urinary tract infections, wound infections, or severe infections in the abdominal cavity.

In this process, the immune system spirals out of control and damages not only the pathogens but also the body’s own tissues and organs. If sepsis is not detected early and treated immediately, it can quickly lead to organ failure and septic shock (a dangerous shortage of blood and oxygen supply to tissues and organs)—with consequences such as the loss of limbs or even death. As with a stroke or heart attack, every minute counts.

No, sepsis is not a new disease. In the past, it was colloquially referred to as “blood poisoning.” Today we know that it is a life-threatening, excessive reaction of the body to an infection, which is associated with organ damage. Sepsis is now considered a medical emergency and requires immediate action. Worldwide, it is one of the leading causes of death related to infections. In Switzerland, approximately 20,000 people are hospitalized each year due to sepsis. Some of these cases could be prevented through early detection and prompt treatment.

In Switzerland, on average, one person develops sepsis every 25 minutes. About every two and a half hours, someone dies from it, which amounts to approximately 20,000 hospitalizations and 4,000 deaths annually. This means the number of hospitalizations for sepsis is on a similar scale to those for heart attacks (approx. 19,000 per year) or strokes (approx. 22,000 per year). The number of deaths, however, is comparable to the combined annual death toll from colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer. Equally alarming is the fact that the number of unreported sepsis cases is likely to be significantly higher. Many cases are not recognized as sepsis or are not properly documented. Furthermore, cases treated outside of the hospital are not included in these statistics.

Sepsis affects not just one organ, but the entire body. It can present in a wide variety of ways and often begins with symptoms that are also common to many other illnesses—such as fever, chills, a rapid pulse, or shortness of breath. As a result, it is easily overlooked or mistaken for the flu, pneumonia, or a gastrointestinal infection. Furthermore, sepsis is rarely discussed in public, and the term often does not even appear in doctors’ consultations or discharge reports. In Switzerland, there have been no targeted public awareness campaigns to date, nor is there a standardized system for recording cases in a central registry. As a result, many people are completely unaware of just how common and dangerous sepsis actually is.

Sepsis cannot be completely eradicated because it is caused by many different infections and is the body’s response to them. It is important to prevent infections, detect sepsis early, and treat it promptly. This can significantly reduce the number of sepsis cases and deaths.

Sepsis is often difficult to recognize because its symptoms resemble those of other common illnesses. Nevertheless, it is important to watch for typical warning signs in the event of an existing infection or following an injury. Even people without medical training can recognize sepsis if they are familiar with these symptoms.

It often begins with symptoms typical of a common infection, such as the flu. In the case of sepsis, additional symptoms then develop that are caused by impaired organ function. The respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems are most commonly affected.

The most important warning signs include

• Confusion, disorientation or drowsiness
• High fever or unusually low body temperature
• Chills and shivering
• Rapid pulse or palpitations
• Rapid breathing, shortness of breath or shortness of breath
• Unusually strong, unprecedented feeling of illness or pronounced weakness
• Pain or severe discomfort
• Reduced urine output
• Pale, marbled, blotchy or bluish skin

If one or more of these symptoms occur in connection with an infection, seek medical attention immediately. Early detection and treatment of sepsis are crucial to preventing serious complications, organ failure, or septic shock.

If you have an infection or experience sudden, severe, or unusual symptoms, it is important and appropriate to directly ask your doctor about sepsis. Sepsis can quickly become life-threatening, and it is often not recognized right away. If you notice typical warning signs, such as a high fever, rapid breathing, confusion, or unusual weakness, you should clearly communicate this so that medical care can be provided quickly and effectively.

It often begins with symptoms typical of a common infection, such as the flu. In the case of sepsis, additional symptoms then develop that are caused by impaired organ function. The respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems are most commonly affected.

Sepsis is diagnosed based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests, as there is no single test that can definitively confirm sepsis. Healthcare professionals look for key warning signs such as fever or hypothermia, an elevated heart rate, low blood pressure, rapid breathing, confusion, or drowsiness.

In addition, blood, urine, or other samples are collected to identify the infection. Imaging techniques such as X-rays or other scans may be used to locate or confirm the source of the infection. If sepsis is suspected, antibiotic treatment is started immediately—even before all test results are available—because every hour counts. Nevertheless, sepsis is often diagnosed late. The reason: The initial symptoms—such as fever, chills, rapid breathing, or confusion—resemble those of many other, less dangerous illnesses. As a result, it is easily overlooked at first. To make matters worse, the condition can deteriorate dramatically within a few hours. What may seem like a harmless infection in the morning can develop into a life-threatening situation by the end of the same day.

Everyone can do a lot to protect themselves and their loved ones from sepsis. Here’s a brief overview of how you can protect yourself from sepsis:

• Talk about the risks of sepsis and its typical warning signs, inform others, and point them to information on the Internet
• Recognize infections early and have them treated
  Keep wounds clean and see a doctor immediately if there are any signs of infection
• Keep vaccinations up to date (e.g. against flu, pneumococcus, COVID-19) Observe hygiene, especially hand washing
• Good control of chronic diseases
• Pay close attention to symptoms after operations or invasive procedures
• In the event of infections and unusual symptoms, pay attention to the warning signs and get help quickly if necessary.

Early intervention is crucial to preventing sepsis or treating it in a timely manner.

If you suspect sepsis, please take immediate action:

• Seek medical help immediately or call the emergency services.
• Clearly describe your symptoms, especially sudden deterioration, fever, rapid breathing, confusion, pronounced weakness, unprecedented pain or illness.
• Be sure to explicitly address the risk of sepsis.
• Don’t wait! Sepsis can get much worse very quickly.

Quick action can save lives!

If you have a wound, you can do the following to prevent sepsis:

• Keep the wound clean, disinfect it and cover it with a sterile dressing.
• Change the dressing regularly and look out for signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, pain).
• Avoid touching the wound with unwashed hands.
• Consult a doctor immediately at the first sign of infection.
• Get vaccinated if necessary, e.g. against tetanus.

This will help you significantly reduce the risk of infection and, consequently, sepsis.

If you have the flu, here’s what you can do to prevent sepsis:

• Monitor your symptoms closely and watch out for any sudden worsening.
• Seek medical help immediately if you have a high temperature, rapid breathing, palpitations, severe weakness or confusion.
• Take the flu seriously and rest to support your immune system.
• Avoid contact with others to prevent further infection.
• Follow the recommendations of your doctor, e.g. when taking medication.

Early detection and treatment of complications are crucial for preventing sepsis.

If you have a fever, you can do the following to prevent sepsis:

• Monitor fever and accompanying symptoms closely.
• If you have a high or persistent fever, rapid breathing, palpitations, confusion or severe weakness, seek medical help immediately.
• Drink plenty of fluids and take it easy to support your body.
• Do not hesitate to call an ambulance if symptoms worsen.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing sepsis.

If a loved one is not feeling well and there is a suspicion or risk of sepsis, you should act quickly:

• Look out for warning signs such as high fever, rapid breathing, confusion, severe weakness or pale skin.
• Ask the person to seek medical help immediately or call the emergency services yourself.
• Stay with the person until help arrives and try to remain calm.
• Inform the doctor treating you about your observations and suspicions.

Quick action can save lives.

Sepsis can affect anyone—even young and previously healthy people. It usually develops from what starts out as a normal infection, such as pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, or a wound infection. The key is how quickly it is detected and treated.

However, certain groups of people have an increased risk:

• Older people (aged 65 and over)
• Infants and toddlers
• People with a weakened immune system, for example during chemotherapy or in the case of autoimmune diseases and untreated HIV infection
• People with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, kidney disease or heart failure
• Patients in hospital, especially after major operations, with catheters or under mechanical ventilation
• People with serious injuries, burns or open wounds

Older people are particularly at risk, as the immune system weakens with age and pre-existing conditions are more common. In addition, they often show unspecific symptoms such as confusion or weakness, which makes it difficult to recognize them.

Children, especially infants and toddlers, are also more susceptible as their immune system is not yet fully developed. Early warning signs may include rapid breathing, pale skin, difficulty drinking or unusual behavior.

Sepsis is always a serious condition. It can rapidly worsen and lead to organ failure, septic shock, and death. How dangerous it is in any given case depends on the course of the illness and, above all, on how quickly treatment is administered. If sepsis is detected early and treated consistently, the chances of recovery are significantly better.

Therefore, the following applies: Any case of sepsis is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate medical evaluation.

No, sepsis is not contagious. It is caused by an infection within the body itself, in which the immune system overreacts. However, the pathogens that can cause an infection (bacteria, viruses, fungi) may be contagious in some cases, such as with the flu or certain bacterial infections. But sepsis as a condition—that is, the body’s life-threatening response to an infection—is not transmitted from person to person.

No. Sepsis is not directly caused by excessive medical interventions or the use of medications. It is the result of an infection in which the immune system goes out of control and triggers a life-threatening inflammatory response. Anything that increases the risk of infection or weakens the immune system can also increase the risk of sepsis.

These include, for example, major surgeries and wounds, catheters, mechanical ventilation, as well as chronic diseases, cancer, and certain treatments such as chemotherapy or medications that suppress the immune system. We can protect ourselves by preventing infections—especially in high-risk individuals. This includes good hygiene practices, effective vaccinations, and the consistent, early treatment of chronic conditions and infections.

Sepsis is a medical emergency, and treatment should begin as soon as possible. The most important measures include:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics (and other antimicrobial therapies depending on the suspected diagnosis) are usually administered as soon as possible to combat an infection with bacteria (or other pathogens). Treatment is often started even before laboratory results are available. Antibiotics are subsequently adjusted depending on the pathogen and
  reactions.
• Fluid (infusion): Intravenous (IV) fluids are administered to maintain blood pressure and ensure adequate blood flow to vital organs.
• Vasopressors: If fluid alone is not enough to stabilize blood pressure, drugs known as vasopressors can be used to constrict the blood vessels and improve blood flow.
• Oxygen therapy and respiratory support: If breathing is impaired, additional oxygen or mechanical ventilation may be required.
• Surgical intervention: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to eliminate the source of infection, e.g. by draining an abscess or removing infected tissue.
• Support for vital organs: In the case of kidney failure, this may involve dialysis (blood washing) or medication to support heart function or other affected organs.

Yes, if sepsis is suspected, antibiotics are the primary treatment for combating a possible underlying infection. The sooner antibiotic therapy begins, the better the chances of controlling sepsis and preventing complications. In addition to antibiotics, other measures such as fluid replacement, organ support, and, if necessary, intensive care may be required. Antibiotic treatment should always be administered under medical supervision. However, it is possible that viruses may be identified as the cause of sepsis. Viruses do not respond to antibiotics; in such situations, antibiotic therapy is discontinued as soon as a bacterial cause has been ruled out.

No, treating sepsis with antibiotics and using antibiotics responsibly to prevent resistance are not contradictory; rather, they complement each other: When sepsis is suspected, prompt antibiotic therapy is vital, as any delay increases the risk of serious complications or death.

At the same time, diagnostic tests (e.g., blood cultures) are used to determine the most targeted antibiotic therapy possible and to avoid unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotics. The recommendations for preventing antibiotic resistance aim to ensure that antibiotics are used only when truly necessary and for as short a time as possible.

Sepsis poses an acute threat that requires immediate treatment, whereas antibiotic resistance arises primarily from overuse and misuse in other situations.

In cases of sepsis, the right antibiotic treatment saves lives, and at the same time, it is important to use antibiotics responsibly to prevent the development of resistance.

Surviving sepsis can lead to a range of long-term physical and
psychological effects, often referred to as post-sepsis syndrome (PSS).

These include:

• Chronic fatigue and muscle weakness
• Reduced physical resilience
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems (often referred to as “brain fog”)
• Anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Sleep disorders
• Recurrent infections due to a weakened immune system
• Organ dysfunctions, such as impaired kidney or lung function
• Chronic pain or joint stiffness
• Limited mobility if amputations were necessary

Recovery can vary from person to person, and some sufferers may develop ongoing complications that require ongoing medical care or rehabilitation. Early rehabilitation and aftercare can help improve long-term treatment outcomes.

Yes. After sepsis or a stay in the intensive care unit, physical, psychological, or functional impairments may persist. At the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), the Consultation post soins intensifs (Post-ICU Clinic) offers specialized follow-up care for people who have been in the intensive care unit. It is led by Dr. med. Sara Cereghetti, who is also involved in the Swiss Sepsis Program.

Patients, family members, or healthcare professionals can contact the office for this post-ICU clinic at the following email address: secretariat.si@hug.ch

The Swiss Sepsis Program does not impose any additional health regulations on the public. It focuses on public education, training for healthcare professionals, developing treatment standards, and promoting research. The goal is to detect sepsis early and treat it more effectively. Citizens are encouraged to take symptoms seriously and seek medical help immediately if sepsis is suspected.

No, the Swiss Sepsis Program (SSP) is not a direct result of the COVID-19 measures. It was launched to improve the prevention, early detection, and treatment of sepsis in Switzerland and is based on international recommendations from the WHO and the European Sepsis Strategy. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgency of addressing sepsis more vigorously. During the pandemic, an increase in sepsis cases linked to COVID-19 was observed, highlighting the need for improved sepsis care and public education. Likewise, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the value of effective coordination between public communication, hospital measures, and follow-up care for those affected.

The Swiss Sepsis Program was not established directly by the government or parliament. It is an initiative launched by experts from the fields of medicine, research, politics, and patient advocacy, based on WHO recommendations. The program is supported and overseen by the Federal Quality Commission (EQK), which is part of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), and will run from September 2023 to December 2028. It is a professional initiative sponsored by the EQK, but not a direct legislative proposal from the government or parliament.

World Sepsis Day, observed each September, aims to raise public awareness of sepsis, educate policymakers, and encourage medical facilities to improve their standards. The goal is to save lives through education, prevention, and prompt treatment. Around the world, governments, international institutions, professional societies, NGOs, and companies are working together toward this common goal, supported by the coordination of the Global Sepsis Alliance and the impetus provided by the WHO resolution as well as regional implementation strategies.