Treatment:

Septicemia is a serious condition that requires a hospital stay. You may be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU).

You may be given:

• Antibiotics to treat the infection
• Fluids and medicines by IV to maintain the blood pressure
• Oxygen
• Plasma or other blood products to correct any clotting problems

Expectations (prognosis):

The outlook depends on the bacteria involved and how quickly the patient is hospitalized and treatment begins. The death rate is high -- more than 50% for some infections.

Complications:

Septicemia can quickly lead to:

• Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Septic shock
• Death

Septicemia due to meningococci can lead to shock or adrenal collapse (Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome).

Calling your health care provider:

Septicemia is not common but it is very serious. Diagnosing it early may prevent septicemia from worsening to shock.

Seek immediate care if:

• A person has a fever, shaking chills, and looks very ill
• Any person who has been ill has changes in mental status
• There are signs of bleeding into the skin

Call your health care provider if your child's vaccinations are not up-to-date.