Faces of Sepsis™ stories allow those affected by sepsis to share their experiences of illness, treatment, recovery and loss and aim to capture the diversity of people who had sepsis. Some stories describe a quick recovery while others cover the long-term effects of post-sepsis syndrome (PSS).

For patients that survive sepsis, life takes on new challenges that must be overcome together with doctors, spouses, family members and caregivers. This new informational video helps explain the common symptoms patients experience after surviving sepsis. Produced by Sepsis Alliance and the Society of Critical Care Medicine, Life After Sepsis provides practical tips for sepsis patients to follow so that they can get stronger, avoid readmission to the hospital and lead life to its fullest.

Adults aged 65 years and older are 13 times more likely to be hospitalized with sepsis than adults younger than 65, and 63% of older adults 60 years and older are admitted to the ICU present with sepsis upon admission. Like strokes or heart attacks, sepsis is a medical emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have varying levels of ability. Some people manage independently with support when needed, while others need complete care. But what many have in common is that they may have difficulty obtaining good quality healthcare. An IDD itself doesn’t cause illness, but it can lead to situations that put people at higher risk of developing certain conditions, including infections, which can lead to sepsis.

When a loved one becomes ill with sepsis, it can be a scary time – one that most people aren’t prepared for. Caregivers may not know what sepsis is or how to help their loved ones. This website includes resources that may help them navigate this complex and difficult journey, including a When a Loved One Has Sepsis: A Caregiver’s Guide.

Sepsis Alliance has a library of Sepsis Information Guides covering dozens of sepsis-related topics. These guides are available for free download and are provided in a high-resolution format for printing and distributing to patients, families, co-workers, friends and other professionals.

The checklist provides patients and family a list of questions they may want to ask regarding their diagnosis and suggested actions to take once discharged.

The Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) Get Ahead of Sepsis educational effort helps educate patients, loved ones, families, and caregivers and healthcare professionals about the importance of early recognition and timely treatment of sepsis, reassessment of antibiotic needs, and prevention of infections. Download free materials for patients and healthcare professionals.

Additional resources:

Spanish language Sepsis resources, by Sepsis Alliance, includes an overview, treatment information, symptoms and more. There are also resources in additional languages available on the site.