Published on September 02, 2025
September is Sepsis Awareness Month
September is Sepsis Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of the life-threatening condition of sepsis. Sepsis is the body's life-threatening response to infection. It's the leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals, affecting 1.7 million people and taking 350,000 adult lives every year.
Your immune system usually fights any germs (bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites) to prevent infection. If an infection does occur, your immune system will try to fight it, although you may need help with medication such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics. However, for reasons researchers don’t understand, sometimes the immune system stops fighting the “invaders,” and begins to turn on itself. This is the start of sepsis.
Who is at risk?
Some people are at higher risk of developing sepsis because they are at higher risk of contracting an infection. These include the very young (infants), the very old, those with chronic illnesses and those with a weakened or impaired immune system. People who are malnourished can also contract infections more easily.
What are the signs?
TIME
When it comes to sepsis, remember “it’s about TIME.” Watch for:
T: TEMPERATURE - higher or lower than normal
I: INFECTION – may have signs or symptoms of infection
M: MENTAL DECLINE - confused, sleepy, difficult to rouse
E: EXTREMELY ILL – severe pain, discomfort, shortness of breath
If you experience a combination of these symptoms: seek urgent medical care, call 911 or go to the hospital with an advocate. Ask: "Could it be sepsis?"
What can I do to prevent sepsis?
- Perform proper hand hygiene
- Get all vaccines recommended by your physician (such as flu and pneumonia)
- If you have an open wound, be sure to keep it clean, dry and covered based on your doctor’s instructions
- Take antibiotics if prescribed by your doctor and make sure that you finish all of them, even if you are feeling better
- Always keep your follow-up appointments
To learn more, visit Owensborohealth.org/sepsis.
At Owensboro Health, your well-being is our highest priority. We are committed to delivering advanced care tailored to the unique needs of each patient, ensuring the best possible outcomes for everyone. We are here to support you on your health journey every step of the way.
About Owensboro Health
Owensboro Health is a nonprofit health system with a mission to heal the sick and to improve the health of the communities it serves in Kentucky and Indiana. The system includes Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, nationally recognized for design, architecture and engineering; Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital; Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center; the Owensboro Health Medical Group comprised of over 350 providers at more than 30 locations; four outpatient Healthplex facilities, a certified medical fitness facility, the Healthpark; a weight management program, and the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center.
On average each year, we have more than 19,000 inpatient admissions, deliver 2,000 babies and provide the region’s only Level III NICU. Owensboro Health physicians perform nearly 33,000 surgical procedures, including nearly 150 open-heart surgeries. Our physicians and staff have 90,000 Emergency Department visits and more than 1.25 million outpatient visits annually. Visit our home page for more information.