Risk Factors for Sepsis

Key points

Anyone can develop sepsis, but some people are at higher risk for sepsis.

Who's at risk

  • Adults 65 or older
  • Children younger than one
  • Women who are pregnant or post-partum
  • People who survived sepsis
  • People with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer and kidney disease
  • People with recent severe illness, surgery or hospitalization
  • People with weakened immune systems

Conditions that can increase risk

Cancer

Having cancer and undergoing certain treatments for cancer, such as some types of chemotherapy, can put you or your loved one at higher risk for developing an infection that could lead to sepsis.

Chemotherapy works by killing the fastest-growing cells in your body-both good and bad. Along with killing cancer cells, some types of chemo also kill your infection-fighting white blood cells.

When is infection most likely?

An infection or sepsis can happen at any time. However, when your body has very low levels of a certain type of white blood cell (neutrophils) that increases your risk of getting an infection. This condition is a common side effect of chemo called neutropenia.

Signs of neutropenia

Your doctor will routinely test for neutropenia by checking the level of your white blood cells.

Keep Reading: Cancer, Infection and Sepsis Fact Sheet

Surviving sepsis

Sepsis survivors are at higher risk for getting sepsis again.1

Keep Reading: Managing Recovery from Sepsis

Resources

Health Care Provider Speaking with a Patient and looking at a Brochure
Get Ahead of Sepsis Materials for Patients
Download or order materials to educate yourself and your loved ones about sepsis.
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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)
  1. Prescott HC, Langa KM, Iwashyna TJ. Readmission diagnoses after hospitalization for severe sepsis and other acute medical conditions.  JAMA. 2015;313(10):1055-1057.