Healthcare Professional Materials | Educational Materials | Sepsis | CDC

Healthcare Professional Materials | Educational Materials | Sepsis | CDC

Healthcare Professional Materials

On This Page

• All Healthcare Professionals
• For EMS Personnel
• For Healthcare Professionals in Inpatient and Outpatient Settings
• For Healthcare Professionals in Urgent Care and Emergency Departments
• For Healthcare Professionals in Home Care and Long-Term Care

All Healthcare Professionals

Infections put your patients at risk for sepsis. Be alert to the signs and symptoms, and if you suspect sepsis, act fast.

Healthcare professionals:

• Know sepsis signs and symptoms.
• Identify and treat patients early.
• Act fast if you suspect sepsis.
• Know your facility’s existing guidance for diagnosing and managing sepsis.
• Prevent infections by following infection control practices (e.g. hand hygiene, catheter removal) and ensuring patients receive recommended vaccines.
• Educate your patients and their families about:
  • Preventing infections
  • Keeping scrapes and wounds clean
  • Managing chronic conditions
  • Recognizing early signs and symptoms of worsening infection and sepsis and seeking immediate care if signs and symptoms are present

If you suspect sepsis:

• Immediately alert the doctor or nurse in charge if it is not you.
• Start antibiotics as soon as possible, in addition to other therapies appropriate for the patient.
• Check patient progress frequently. Reassess antibiotic therapy in 24 to 48 hours to stop or adjust therapy if needed. Be sure antibiotic type, dose and duration are correct.