World Sepsis Day 2026: Why Every Minute Matters

World Sepsis Day, on 13 September 2026, is an opportunity to raise awareness of sepsis, which is a serious condition that can develop when the body responds dangerously to an infection. Sepsis can progress quickly, and its effects can be severe. For people who have experienced sepsis or are concerned about whether it was recognised and treated promptly, understanding what happens in the body can help make sense of a difficult experience. In this article, we explain sepsis in straightforward terms, the types of injury it can cause and why early recognition and treatment are so important.

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition which occurs when the body's response to an infection causes damage to its own tissues and organs. It can lead to septic shock, multiple organ failure and, in severe cases, death. Importantly, sepsis is not itself an infection. Rather, it is the body's harmful response to an infection. Sepsis can develop from infections in different parts of the body. Common sources include chest infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, abdominal infections, and infections affecting the skin or wounds. Bacteria are the most common cause, although viruses, fungi and parasites can also cause infections which lead to sepsis.

Who can develop sepsis?

Anyone can develop sepsis, although some people are at greater risk, including older people, very young children, pregnant or recently pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems or certain underlying medical conditions. Sepsis can be difficult to recognise because its symptoms can overlap with other illnesses and there is no single test which diagnoses it. Possible warning signs include confusion or slurred speech, severe breathlessness, extreme shivering or muscle pain, passing little or no urine, mottled or discoloured skin, and feeling extremely unwell.

What injuries can sepsis cause?

The effects of sepsis can be devastating because reduced blood flow and widespread inflammation can interfere with the function of vital organs. Depending on the severity of the illness, sepsis can result in kidney, lung, heart, liver or brain injury, circulatory problems, septic shock and multiple organ failure. Some people require intensive care, ventilation, dialysis or other significant medical treatment. Surviving sepsis does not necessarily mean that its effects have ended. Some survivors experience longer-term physical, cognitive or psychological problems, sometimes described as post-sepsis syndrome. These can include fatigue, muscle weakness, pain, reduced mobility, problems with memory and concentration, anxiety, low mood and sleep difficulties. Recovery can take weeks or months, and for some people considerably longer.

Why is prompt treatment so important?

Sepsis is a medical emergency. The infection causing it needs to be identified and treated, while the effects of sepsis on the body need to be managed. Treatment may include antibiotics or other medicines to fight the infection, fluids given through a vein, oxygen and close monitoring. Doctors may also carry out tests and treat the source of the infection. This is why early recognition and diagnosis matters. The longer significant sepsis remains untreated, the greater the opportunity for the infection and the body's response to cause organ dysfunction and other serious complications. Above all, World Sepsis Day is a reminder that sepsis can affect anyone, it can develop rapidly, and prompt recognition and treatment can save lives and reduce the risk of serious harm.

How can we help?

If you or a family member developed sepsis and believe that there was a delay in recognising, investigating or treating it, it is reasonable to want to understand what happened. If you are concerned that a delay in diagnosis or treatment may have worsened the consequences of sepsis, obtaining independent medical and legal advice can help you understand whether there may be grounds for a clinical negligence claim. If you have been affected by sepsis, you can find out further information and support from Sepsis UK.

This article is intended as general information and should not be treated as legal or medical advice about an individual case.