Sepsis can be difficult to diagnose but frequently needs rapid treatment to contain the infection and prevent progression into septic shock. An individual must present with at least two of the following four symptoms coupled with an existing infection somewhere in the body.

Blood tests may categorize the infection as either severe sepsis (more significant than simple sepsis) or septic shock (the most severe form of sepsis). Treatment of antibiotics and IV fluids may begin before results of the work up to prevent worsening of sepsis during definitive diagnosis occurs.

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