September is Sepsis Awareness Month, a time to highlight one of the leading causes of death in U.S. hospitals. At Syracuse Area Health, we’re committed to raising awareness, recognizing early warning signs, and helping our community understand how to act fast to save lives.

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It can start from something as simple as a cut, a urinary tract infection, pneumonia, or even the flu. If not treated quickly, sepsis can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

Early Warning Signs of Sepsis: What You Might Feel

Sepsis can escalate rapidly, but it often starts with subtle physical or emotional signs. If you or a loved one has an infection and starts feeling worse instead of better, pay attention to these warning signs:

Physical Symptoms:

• Sudden fatigue or weakness – Feeling unusually drained, even after resting.
• Chills or shivering – May come with a fever or the sensation of being cold.
• Shortness of breath – Breathing rapidly or shallowly for no clear reason.
• Rapid heart rate – A racing pulse unrelated to physical activity.
• Confusion or mental fog – Feeling “off,” disoriented, or unable to concentrate.
• Extreme pain or discomfort – Sometimes described as “the worst I’ve ever felt.”
• Clammy or sweaty skin – Not explained by heat or exertion.
• Low urine output – Could signal the kidneys are being affected.

Emotional & Mental Clues:

• A sense of dread or that “something’s not right”
• Feeling disconnected or overly sleepy
• Unexplained anxiety or restlessness

If You Suspect Sepsis – ACT FAST

Sepsis can develop in just a few hours. Early detection and treatment are critical.

Look for the acronym T.I.M.E.:

• Temperature – Higher or lower than normal
• Infection – Signs or history of infection
• Mental decline – Confused, sleepy, difficult to rouse
• Extremely ill – “I feel like I might die”

If you or someone you know experiences these signs, seek emergency care immediately or contact your primary care provider.

Help Us Raise Awareness

At Syracuse Area Health, we’re committed to compassionate care and community education. You can help save lives by sharing this message with friends and family. Let’s make sure no one misses the early signs of sepsis.